Champion Farms in Falkville, Alabama, is one of many U.S. growers watching how the new tariffs on Mexican-grown tomatoes are influencing the market. Owner Robert Champion, who produces traditional, heirloom, yellow, and green tomatoes, says pricing has long been a challenge for domestic farmers.
The Trump Administration reported that a long-standing trade agreement between the United States and Mexico placed pressure on American tomato growers who struggled to compete with Mexican prices. Champion agrees with this assessment. "In the long run, it's actually going to start helping us local growers out because maybe the supermarkets can start buying our stuff that we grow here in America just as cheaply as they can in the other countries," Champion said.
On July 14, a 17% tariff on Mexican-grown tomatoes came into effect. More than a month later, Champion said he is already seeing changes in consumer demand. "I think more people are starting to come to the market now and are buying local fresh produce," he said. Champion reported stronger sales this summer, with customers indicating an interest in purchasing locally grown produce. "Buying from a local farmer, you can't get any better fruits and vegetables than that," he added.
However, Champion acknowledged that the transition will take time. "It's not going to happen overnight, we all know that," he said. He expects it could take several years before growers see the full impact, though he views the tariff as a positive step for the future of his business and family. "We have to do this for a living, this is what [my wife and I] chose, and that's what we do. We have no retirement coming in, and we work every day, and I'm hoping that one day I can maybe leave it to my grandkids."
Critics of the tariffs argue that they will limit consumer choice and increase prices. Mexico has responded with new export prices for tomatoes heading to the United States, which are already reflected at the retail level.
Source: WAFF 48