Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging federal trade officials to strengthen protections for American specialty crop producers as negotiations continue over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Harper recently sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, arguing that Georgia farmers are facing increasing pressure from imported produce grown under different labor, environmental and regulatory standards. He said imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico have increased by more than 550 percent since 2001, often entering U.S. markets during peak harvest periods and driving down prices for American growers.

According to Harper, specialty crops—including vegetables, blueberries, pecans, greenhouse products and nursery crops—are a vital part of Georgia’s agricultural economy. The Georgia Department of Agriculture says food and fiber industries contribute more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and support more than 370,000 jobs. Harper noted that Georgia’s vegetable industry alone generated approximately $1.33 billion in farm gate value in 2023.

Harper said American growers face higher labor costs through the H-2A guest worker program and must comply with stricter environmental, pesticide and food safety regulations than many foreign competitors. He is asking federal officials to consider targeted trade actions that would create a more level playing field for U.S. producers during the ongoing USMCA review.

The commissioner also expressed concerns about food security and national security, citing reports that criminal organizations have infiltrated portions of Mexico’s agricultural supply chain. A third round of USMCA negotiations is taking place this week in Mexico City.