Since the United States is bound by international trade treaties to treat imports the same as domestic food, if the FDA is requiring imports reach a higher food safety threshold than domestic produce, this would be considered a violation by the World Trade Organization—and would put the whole FSVP in danger of being thrown out, or the U.S. facing potential retaliatory measures.
Because U.S. agricultural exports are among the few growth segments in the economy, the United States has to consider all the pieces of the puzzle.
How has the rise of “protected agriculture” affected the industry, particularly those who trade Hispanic commodities?
Jungmeyer: The rapid adoption of greenhouse and other protected agriculture in Mexico has made productivity go through the roof; it’s a good four times more efficient to grow tomatoes in a structure versus outdoors in the field. From a cost-benefit analysis, protected agriculture extends the growing season, so fruit or vegetables can be picked earlier or later.
Where do you see FPAA in five years? Ten years?
Jungmeyer: We’ll still be doing the same general kinds of things, whether the topics have changed. Food safety will still be a high priority; the FDA has said food safety is not a destination, it’s a journey.
Working with the government on red tape reduction will also be a huge thing. Maybe in five years, we’ll be in a better position for more preclearance—something they’re pushing for is a good rapid test for microbial, salmonella, E-coli, etc. Currently, random samples are shipped off to a lab to develop a culture. If nothing comes back, and it rarely does, the product is released. Meanwhile, the product has sat at the border for three to five, maybe even ten days.
Another area for improvement might be if the U.S. and Mexico developed greater levels of trust. With sanitary testing, looking for drugs, and other things, if this could be done in Mexico—just across the border or further inland, doing the inspection there, putting a seal on the truck, and then tracking the truck—it should sail right on through the border. It’s starting to happen, but there is a language barrier.
If you were speaking to a college graduate or a young person looking to start a career in the produce industry, what advice would you give?
Jungmeyer: Get involved in a young leadership program from one of the national trade associations like United Fresh Produce Association or Produce Marketing Association.
It’s a good way to meet people and learn about the industry at large. Networking is the most important skill in produce.
