The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will pursue avenues to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry in coordination with the USDA after members of Congress requested an examination of certain issues in a recently filed Section 301 petition.
The Biden Administration recognizes that Southeast producers have faced challenges, which have only intensified since Hurricane Ian made landfall a few weeks ago. USTR will establish a private-sector industry advisory panel to recommend measures to promote the competitiveness of producers of seasonal and perishable produce in the southeastern U.S. USTR and USDA will work with the advisory panel and members of Congress to develop possible administrative actions and legislation that would provide real benefits to this struggling industry.
