U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce to help tomato farmers in our area, throughout Florida and United States:

 “Small-business owners and farmers across Florida worked diligently to make their case to the Obama Administration regarding unfair trade practices and the "dumping" of fresh tomatoes in the U.S. market. Unfair trade and unlawful dumping hurt Florida businesses and tomato farmers. We are grateful that the Obama Administration listened and we are on track to preserve jobs and boost the economy for these home-grown products. The benefits will be felt in Ruskin, Hillsborough County, Palmetto, Manatee County and throughout Florida."