NOGALES, AZ - Assessing and discussing the current state of the produce industry, trade, infrastructure, labor, and more, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) recently held a roundtable meeting with Congressman Greg Stanton, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Congressman Stanton sees the big picture about the border,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “From security and trade to the state’s water crisis, his passion for addressing Arizona’s most pressing needs is evident.”

The meeting took place Thursday, June 7, after Representative Stanton and his team visited Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol, a release stated. He went on to speak with FPAA and community leaders, touching everything from trucking to the overall economy.

During the meeting, FPAA Chairman-elect Rod Sbragia spoke about the importance of the Arizona delegation supporting the FPAA position regarding season produce in United States trade law. The organization reiterated how changes to U.S. dumping law that created seasonal protection would invite foreign nations to challenge the country’s exports of fruits and vegetables on the same basis.

Representative Stanton has signed various letters supporting the FPAA and upon hearing this said that he understood the importance of the industry to Arizona and the U.S.

Jungmeyer also shared details about a recently released University of Arizona economic impact report regarding the Nogales produce industry, which showed nearly $1 billion in output for the state and almost $5 billion nationwide.

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Stanton also used part of the meeting to ask about infrastructure needs in Nogales.

How will this meeting help to advance the industry in the state of Arizona? AndNowUKnow will provide the latest updates.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas