The Capital Press, 12/31/2012
U.S. potato industry groups are preparing comments regarding the Mexican government’s proposed policy changes on fresh potato imports, fearing they would worsen an existing trade disparity. The U.S. potato industry has worked more than a decade to open the Mexican fresh potato export market beyond the current restriction of 16 miles from the border. Many in the industry had been optimistic that a resolution was near due to Mexico’s desire to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Furthermore, findings of an international panel of experts convened through the North American Plant Protection Organization confirmed Mexico should address only six potato pests of concern in importing from the U.S.
