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New Seasonal Produce Advisory Committee Members Named

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA named to their newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee Astin Farms' Madison Astin, Bedner Growers' Marie Bedner, Georgia Fruit and Vegetables Growers Association's Chris Butts, A. Duda & Sons' Tracy Duda Champman, Southern Hill Farms' David Hill, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association's Michael Joyner, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas' Lance Jungmeyer, L&M Companies' Adam Lytch, MBG Marketing's Brad Moorer, Florida Strawberry Growers Association's Kenneth Parker and the Florida Farm Bureau's Jeb Smith.

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The committee was formed after USTR declined to impose trade restrictions on Mexican produce that competes with products grown in the winter and early spring in the Southeast. It is meant to provide advice to USTR and USDA on "administrative actions and legislation that would promote the competitiveness of Southeastern U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products."

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas represents Southwestern growers and importers of Mexican produce, and has traditionally opposed actions that would restrict Mexican imports of fruits and vegetables.