Compres says a big challenge this year is a new automated system that import brokers will be required to use in providing information to Customs, the USDA, and FDA, switching from the Automated Broker Interface (known as ABI) to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Many are also feeling the financial heat from new rules and fees related to agricultural quarantine inspections. Last October, the USDA and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a final rule adjusting the fees the U.S. government charges to recoup the costs of conducting quarantine inspections at U.S. ports of entry.
The final rule went into effect in December, with stipulations requiring importers to pay “reimbursable overtime fees.” According to the USDA, when import and export-related services must be provided by federal employees outside of regular duty hours, the government will now charge an hourly overtime fee for the services. The fee “reimburses” the federal government for the cost of providing these services.
“The agricultural quarantine inspection fees and increase on USDA/APHIS overtime will have an impact on our customers,” Compres remarks. “The bottom line keeps shrinking, and we need to find solutions and efficiencies to lessen the burden to importers.”
Staffing Struggles
According to a 2015 survey by PI World-wide, a privately-held international management consulting company that specializes in business research and employee relations, U.S. businesses of all sizes say they are struggling to find qualified employees, including 65 percent of small companies and 45 percent of mid-sized businesses. Miami produce businesses can certainly relate.
“The biggest challenge has been managing our growth and finding good people to help us,” says Politis. “That’s probably the biggest challenge for most companies—finding the right talent that can be a part of the company culture.”
Sunny Days Ahead
Despite the challenges and struggles, Miami produce professionals remain optimistic about the future as their businesses continue to flourish.
“We have been blessed with loyal clients who have grown exponentially these last few years,” says Ramos. “And with their growth, we grow.”
“Business has been very good,” Tannehill remarks. “We see our customers getting stron-ger, and we see an increase in our business as well. I think we’ll continue to see an upswing in the economy, which will lead to a growth opportunity in 2016 as well.”
In other words, the forecast for Miami’s produce industry calls for plenty of sunshine.
Image: ©AdobeStock/jovannig
