Bipartisan group of lawmakers want greater access in Mexico for US potatoes

By Vicki Needham - 05/25/12 01:41 PM ET

A bipartisan group of senators are urging U.S. trade officials to resolve differences with Mexico to expand access for exports of potatoes, especially as negotiations continue over an Asia-Pacific trade deal.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash) and eight other lawmakers want restrictions lifted for U.S. potatoes beyond the 16 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and settle concerns over the introduction of possible pests that could go the border with the vegetables.

"As Mexico’s potential entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations continues to be discussed, we urge your agencies to work with Mexico to resolve the outstanding concerns on market access for U.S. fresh potatoes,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter on Thursday to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

"The failure by Mexico to resolve the potato market access dispute is concerning, given the growing evidence that any risks associated with the movement of fresh potatoes from the United States to Mexico can be effectively mitigated," they wrote.

Mexico, along with Canada and Japan, has asked to join the TPP negotiations. The nine countries involved have not made any decisions about adding new countries while talks continue.

The dispute stems from the determination of an independent panel that recommended in September that mitigation measures be taken for three of the six pests found to be "of concern" out of a total 67.

But Mexican officials requested that action be taken on 33 pests even though it was determined that the majority were not a threat and would not spread through fresh potatoes.

"This unnecessary requirement by the Mexican government has led to the deadlock that we currently face on this issue," they wrote.

"These extra and unnecessary mitigation measures are an effective trade barrier that is not supported by science."

The panel also found that Mexico has not applied established principles for dealing with the sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.

"Taking steps to address these outstanding market access issues would send a very positive signal that Mexico is willing to work on constructive solutions and create better trade policy," they wrote.

The bipartisan letter was signed by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.).