Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Proposed Draft Suspension Agreement Governing Trade of Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico

Washington, Feb. 2, 2013--Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the proposed agreement by the U.S. Commerce Department and the Mexican tomato industry suspending the antidumping duty investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico.

"I applaud the good work of Undersecretary Sanchez and the Commerce Department to forge this important agreement to allow our domestic tomato industry to compete on a level playing field. The draft agreement meets the requirements of U.S. antidumping law and provides an effective remedy for our domestic tomato producers, further bolstering agriculture as a bright spot in our nation's economy. Ultimately, the Obama Administration forged an agreement that will restore stability and confidence to the U.S. tomato market and ensure fair trade in fresh tomatoes through increased reference prices, coverage and strengthened enforcement. The United States is one of the world's leading producers of tasty, high-quality tomatoes. Our U.S. fresh and processed tomatoes account for more than $2 billion in cash receipts and support thousands of American jobs in our food industry, shipping, processing and more.