Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has expressed his support for the Trump administration's decision to end the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. He described the decision as a significant victory for American agriculture, highlighting President Trump's commitment to prioritizing American farmers. According to Scott, the agreement did not adequately shield American producers from unfair foreign trade practices and allowed an influx of Mexican tomatoes into the U.S. market.

Scott has long advocated for the agreement's termination. He recently communicated his concerns in a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, followed by a call to urge action. Scott thanked Lutnick for taking steps to protect American farmers.

Rick Scott remarked, "This is great news for American growers and producers, and I’m grateful President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are heeding my call to stand for American growers by terminating this failed agreement." He also criticized past administrations for allowing "our markets to be flooded with artificially cheap tomatoes from Mexican producers," which he claimed were "grown with child and forced labor."

Scott emphasized his ongoing effort to champion the rights and interests of American farmers. He commended the Trump administration's Department of Commerce for prioritizing American interests with this decision.