Some agricultural groups are attacking a federal investigation into whether US blueberry growers are being seriously harmed by a growing volume of imported berries.

The investigation, requested by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and funded by blueberry growers, could undermine North America's new trade pact and invite retaliatory tariffs, according to 32 farm and food company groups.

American Blueberry Growers Alliance attorney Stephen Orava said blueberry growers are conducting an investigation authorized by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as US and international trade laws.

«Es importante que este proceso legal objetivo continúe», dijo el lunes. «Este es un proceso que tanto Canadá como México han acordado».

Lighthizer requested the Section 201 investigation by the US International Trade Commission in late September. The commission is collecting confidential records to determine whether an influx of foreign blueberries threatens the future of the domestic industry.

If so, the president could enact safeguard tariffs. A report must be presented to the White House on March 29. President Trump ordered safeguard tariffs against imported washing machines, cells and solar modules during his presidency.

En una carta del 9 de diciembre a Lighthizer, las organizaciones agrícolas y alimentarias dijeron que tenían «fuertes preocupaciones» sobre la investigación de los arándanos, así como las investigaciones de investigación sobre pepinos, calabazas, fresas y pimientos morrones importados, lo que podría conducir a investigaciones de salvaguardia. .

Los grupos advirtieron que las acciones comerciales protectoras «sin causa legítima» podrían sentar un precedente y llevar a una escalada de medidas de represalia.

«A medida que nuestra industria continúa recuperándose de los choques del mercado relacionados con COVID-19 y las interrupciones de la cadena de suministro, lo último que podemos permitirnos en este momento es incertidumbre adicional y tarifas más altas», declararon los grupos.

The organizations that signed the letter included major trade groups representing soybeans, wheat, corn, pork, dairy and poultry. The companies that signed were Driscoll's and Hershey Co.

Efforts to obtain comment from the Office of the United States Trade Representative were unsuccessful.

The blueberry investigation requested by Lighthizer is already underway. President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Katherine Tai, a trade attorney, to succeed Lighthizer in his administration.

Orava said the concerns of agricultural groups are exaggerated and premature. Trade laws recognize the need to prevent national industries from being devastated, he said.

«Los países comprenden bien la importancia de estas válvulas de seguridad en los acuerdos comerciales», dijo. «Para la seguridad alimentaria, es mejor cultivar alimentos localmente que depender de las importaciones».

While agricultural groups and food companies criticized the investigation, an equal number of federal lawmakers, 32, sent a letter last week to the trade commission supporting the investigation.

Lawmakers included Washington Republican Dan Newhouse and Democrats Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen. Oregon Democrats Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader also signed. Washington and Oregon are the top blueberry producing states in the US.

Lawmakers said more imported blueberries, particularly from Chile, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Canada, have depressed prices for US farmers.

«A medida que la comisión desarrolle el expediente probatorio en este caso, creemos que quedará claro que las importaciones son una causa sustancial de daño grave a la industria nacional de arándanos», escribieron los legisladores.

Countries named by lawmakers have indicated that they will send comments to US investigators.

Letter signers

The groups and companies that signed the letter of opposition to the investigation are:

Alpine Fresh, American Feed Industry Association, American Soybean Association, Animal Health Institute, Blueberry Coalition for Progress and Health, California Giant, Corn Refiners Association, CropLife America;

Driscoll's, Association of Fresh Producers of the Americas, Good Farms, Leather & Hide Council of America, National Association of Wheat Producers, National Association of Corn Producers, National Association of Grains and Feed;

National Association of Traders, National Federation of Milk Producers, National Council of Pork Producers, National Federation of Retailers, National Federation of Turkeys, North American Association of Cereal Export;

North American Meat Institute, North American Renderers Association, Reiter Affiliated Companies, The Hershey Company, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, US Apple Association, US Dairy Export Council, US Dry Bean Council, US Grains Council, US Soybean Export Council and US Wheat Associates.