Letter to the Honorable Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative - Newhouse Requests Support from USTR to Strengthen Washington Asparagus Industry

Letter

Dear Ambassador Lighthizer:

I write to thank you and the Trump Administration for your efforts to reinforce our international trading relationships with our closest trading partners Canada and Mexico, through the negotiation of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). I write to you today requesting additional actions to support American seasonal specialty crop growers and more specifically, the Washington asparagus industry.

The United States and the State ofWashington has a long history of growing the highest quality asparagus in the world. As the former state director of agriculture for Washington, a top producer of asparagus in the country, I know we can continue to produce the highest quality product for all to enjoy. While I am very appreciative of your progress with USMCA and look forward to the Senate completing their work, the Washington asparagus industry remains concerned by unfair trade practices due to increased imports from Mexico and Peru, rising labor costs, and escalating overall production costs, which could force growers in Washington out of business.

I recognize that USMCA is critically important to American workers, farmers, and businesses. I hope that we can continue to work together to find a solution to strengthen the Washington asparagus industry.

Sincerely,

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