Jul 22, 2020

Federal agencies to hold virtual hearings on seasonal and perishable produce

The Office of the United States Trade Representative, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Department of Commerce will convene virtual hearings in August to discuss foreign trade policies that may be harming American growers of seasonal and perishable produce.

According to a news release, at the hearings, officials from the federal agencies will hear from interested persons on how the Trump administration can support these producers and redress any unfair harm. The hearings, which were originally scheduled to take place in Florida and Georgia in April, will take place virtually in light of the ongoing pandemic caused by COVID-19.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will continue to evaluate additional opportunities to engage directly with stakeholders in Florida, Georgia, and elsewhere on this important issue.

The virtual hearings are scheduled for the following dates:

(1)    Aug. 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. EDT

(2)    August 20, 2020 at 9 a.m. EDT

The Federal Register notice with instructions on how to submit requests to participate in the hearings and written materials can be viewed here.

NOTE: The hearings will be made public and viewable online, and further details about viewing the hearings will be provided ahead of the hearing dates. Full transcripts of the hearings will also be posted online after the hearings.