The American Grown campaign, established in the wake of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is encouraging U.S. growers to tell their stories.
The group asks for growers to tell personal stories, whether they be of triumphs or frustration.
“Last year was one of tremendous surprises, challenges, and divisions,” according to an e-mail from American Grown. “Countless industries have been damaged, among them, the agricultural industry. For those who work in agriculture, many who are multi-generational, life is completely and totally devoted to providing their community and their country with healthy, sustainable produce and meat.”
The request comes as the Trump administration investigates the effects of imports on U.S. growers of seasonal crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a new report detailing imports of produce from Mexico and Canada, the International Trade Commission is following up on a request from the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to investigate the effects of imports of cucumbers and squash and the ITC conducted a hearing on blueberry imports on Jan. 12.
Domestic grower groups asked for protections of seasonal produce crops to be included in the USMCA, but that became a sticking point during negotiations with the three countries. The Trump administration released a plan in September on how to address the imports, including investigations into imports of certain crops.
“We at American Grown strive to be the voice for the farmer — and now we earnestly ask for your voice,” according to the e-mail.
Submissions could be featured on the American Grown blog and in its newsletter.
