American fruit and vegetable growers are facing increasing competition from imported produce during periods when domestic crops are also available.
The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that produce imports increasingly overlap with U.S. growing seasons instead of simply supplying fruits and vegetables when American production is unavailable.
Farm Bureau says that shift places additional financial pressure on domestic specialty-crop producers.
The organization found imports have grown substantially for several commodities as U.S. production has declined or remained relatively flat.
American growers frequently face higher labor, regulatory and other production expenses than foreign competitors, making price competition difficult.
Farm Bureau says greater dependence on foreign produce also creates potential risks involving supply-chain disruptions, weather events and food safety.
The organization says maintaining a strong domestic specialty-crop industry will require addressing production costs, labor availability and risk-management options while maintaining international trade.
The issue comes as growers prepare for important late-summer and fall harvests across the country.
