Unlike grains, oilseeds and livestock products, the U.S. is increasingly import dependent for fresh vegetables. About one-third of the U.S. fresh vegetable market is supplied by imports, with 77 percent of the volume supplied by Mexico and 11 percent trucked down from Canada. Central and South America have been increasing their supply to the American consumer. The U.S. area used for producing vegetables has been declining and represents less than one percent of all crop areas.  Imports are both a source of regular supply and a counterbalance to years when domestic production has troubles. Both domestic and imported fresh vegetables confront higher production costs due to energy, packaging, and labor influences. Higher prices are also...

TAGS – Softs, North America