Senator Marco Rubio last September led a group of Florida lawmakers to push USTR to open a Section 301 investigation into seasonal produce imported from Mexico, alleging the U.S.’ southern neighbor has long engaged in an “export targeting scheme” that forced Florida seasonal farmers out of the U.S. market. USTR last October declined to open the investigation, but pledged to establish a private sector industry advisory panel to help producers in the Southeast boost competitiveness. Rubio at the time said the decision acknowledged that the Florida delegation’s claims were accurate.

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