As we’ve previously mentioned, both in the US and Canada, private and public agencies provide valuable assistance and services to local growers and exporters of vegetables from Mexico and around the world. Notably, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) plays a crucial role. Their online support tools, particularly the AMS (Agricultural Marketing Services), offer a wealth of resources. Let’s explore some key features:

1. Regulations and Standards: The AMS provides comprehensive information on regulations and quality standards for agricultural products.
2. Daily Price Monitoring: Through the AMS, you can easily check daily prices at border points, sales locations, and even retail outlets. This real-time data helps inform decision-making.
3. Historical Data: Want to analyze trends? The AMS allows you to review historical data, including previous years’ prices and production volumes.

For example, search “Tomato Fax Report” on Google, and the first link—generated by the AMS—provides a detailed report on tomato prices, volumes, and varieties produced and imported. Keep in mind that this valuable resource extends beyond vegetables; it covers fruits, grains, milk, meat, and more.

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Explore further at AMS USDA to enhance your understanding of the industry and make informed choices. http://ams.usda.gov

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), a critical department promoting fair negotiations among players in the fruit and vegetable industry. Buyers, growers, distributors, and retailers rely on PACA to resolve disputes related to invoicing, payments, quality inspections, and even bankruptcy cases. Participants receive a PACA certificate, and in case of disputes, they must accept the resolution or risk losing their certificate. If you’re doing business with a U.S. buyer, ensure they hold a valid license.

In Canada, a similar organization exists—the Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC). For Mexican growers exporting to Canada, it’s essential that their buyers are DRC members. Veggies From Mexico / CAADES is actively collaborating with the DRC, offering training to growers from Sinaloa, and facilitating membership processes. For more information, visit DRC’s website. https://fvdrc.com/

Now, let’s talk about the “Blue Book.” No, not the one for cars, but a digital resource for the vegetable industry. In the Blue Book, you’ll find morally and financially qualified industry actors, rated by factors like moral quality. It also shares specific details about buyers when necessary. Blue Book carries, is a unique tool to assess who you’re dealing with and their financial standing.

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What is the situation in Mexico? While 80% of Sinaloa’s agricultural production heads to the U.S., the Mexican domestic market remains significant. Looking ahead, I envision a not-too-distant future where institutions and organizations—such as CAADES, CNA, AMHPAC, ANTAD, and Central de Abastos CDMX—will play a pivotal role in bringing order to the industry.

This order aims to achieve several critical goals:

1. Food safety and Social Responsibility: By establishing clear guidelines and standards, we can enhance food safety for both growers and consumers. Responsible practices benefit everyone involved.
2. Fair Deals for Growers: Transparent negotiations and fair pricing ensure that growers receive just compensation for their hard work.
3. Transparency: Greater transparency benefits not only the industry but also consumers. Knowing where our food comes from builds trust.

Already, numerous comprehensive databases exist, providing a solid foundation for this initiative. Imagine a central regulatory department, composed of representatives from the mentioned organizations, complying with rules and commitments, enforcing realistic and meaningful penalties. If we’ve successfully regulated tequila, surely, we can do more for fresh vegetables and fruits, where risks abound.

Ultimately, as Einstein once noted, there is a driving force more powerful than steam, electricity, and nuclear power: the will. In this case, it’s the collective will of growers, intermediaries, and, above all, buyers.

By Georgius Gotsis Fontes, Director of Veggies from Mexico – CAADES

Source: https://www.debate.com.mx