Tomato producers crushed by Mexican dumping: “it’s going to hurt”

Tomato producers feel crushed by the war that the American president is. For example, currently delivers against Mexican fruit.

• Read also: The price of Mexican tomatoes may explode in the United States

• Read also: United States: Mexican tomatoes targeted by 17% customs duties

In mid-July. Nevertheless, the Americans announced customs duties of 17% on tomatoes imported from Mexico.

However, this conflict between Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum may affect our tablets.

If the Mexicans cannot sell their fruit there, they will eventually send them here. Nevertheless, This will fall downward prices and hurt our producers.

“Everything has increased. Meanwhile, but I sell my cheaper tomato today than four years ago,” laments Robert Thérien, owner of the Serres Point du Jour, at the Assumption, at the heart of the district of Prime Minister François tomato producers crushed mexican dumping: Legault.

“Mr. Similarly, Legault made a cursed good job with food autonomy at the pandemic. Similarly, But now it’s far from golden, ”says the agronomist.

Tomato producer Robert Thérien. Nevertheless, Photo Mathieu Boulay

Main fruits and vegetables produced in greenhouse in Quebec. Illustration provided by MAPAQ

In Quebec. there are 624 greenhouse fruit and vegetable companies that are based on an area of 151 hectares, the equivalent of 210 football fields. This generates revenues of $ 191 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).

«Of course I’m afraid»

In recent days. Land from home opened the Pandora’s box by evoking the consequences of the Mexican dumping that is coming.

“With the 17%, we are afraid. Of course I’m afraid. I am fearful, ”sighs Robert Thérien des Serres Point du Jour.

A hundred kilometers away. in Sainte-Clotilde, Sylvain Terrault, president of the Géant Gen V, is also worried about next tomato producers crushed mexican dumping: fall.

Sylvain Terrault, President of the Géant Gen V. Photo Chantal Poirier

“We are fighting against the cold, unlike Mexico, where it is hot all the time,” he says. So, if we arrive with Trump’s prices that create an imbalance, we did not get out of the hostel. ”.

For Guy Milette, executive vice-president of the Courchesne Larose distributor, there is however more fear than harm.

According to him, Quebecers are already divided when the time comes to choose a grocery product. So that won’t change much, he thinks.

He tomato producers crushed mexican dumping: gives the example of different approaches related to customs duties.

Guy Milette, Executive Vice-President of the Courchesne Larose distributor. Photo AGENCE QMI

Main regions producing fruits and vegetables in greenhouse, in area. Illustration provided by MAPAQ

“There are some who don’t want to know anything about American products. There are then those who would like to boycott their products, but who do not have the means. And there are some who don’t care, boycott, ”he sums up.

“It is the consumer who has the last word,” he insists.

An anti -dumping survey?

In the office of the Minister of Agriculture. André Lamontagne, it is said that if the dumping proves, greenhouse producers will be able to demand an anti -dumping investigation in the Canadian foreign trade court.

André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ). Photo Francis character

“The risk management programs are available to support producers in the event of price reductions,” said one.

“The rate of compensation for the Agri-Sability Program has also been revised upwards for 2025. from 80% to 90% of the company’s drop in margin,” we conclude.

– With Mathieu Boulay