Arizona Co-Chairs
Richard Searle
Director
Western Bank of Lordsburg
Paul Brierley
Director
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Committee Collaborations
The Agribusiness Committee promotes engagement in the business of supplying, processing, and buying agricultural and livestock products or commodities. This committee also advocates for policies and practices that benefit our megaregion; in 2024, this committee headed the creation of a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce supporting the Tomato Suspension Agreement, signed by both Governor Katie Hobbs and Sonora’s Governor Alfonso Durazo.
How to Get Involved
The AMC/CSEU binational committees are always looking for new members, passionate about strengthening the ties between Arizona and Mexico. As a committee member you will be surrounded by subject-area experts and business leaders from Arizona and Mexico, coming together to achieve common goals. Join a committee and help us shape policy, and exchange ideas and information through cross-border communication and collaboration.
If you’re interested in learning more about this committee or how to get involved, click here to send us a note and we’ll get you connected.
Committee Executive Summary
The Agribusiness Committee focuses on critical regulatory developments impacting cross-border trade between Arizona, Mexico, and Canada, including the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA) termination and the USMCA review and escalation. One major tangible accomplishment for this committee is the announced opening of the Douglas Port of Entry (POE) for crossing of native Sonoran cattle effective August 24, 2026. The Douglas POE is being recognized as a low-risk zone for the New World Screwworm. Arizona is working with USDA, Union Ganadera, and Sonoran officials to ensure infrastructure and personnel are in place for timely and effective cattle crossings.
Action Plans
#1 – Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA) Termination: Following a changed circumstances review, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled on June 30, 2026, to terminate the TSA effective August 17, 2026. This decision maintains a permanent 17% antidumping duty on Mexican tomato imports. Any future reassessment depends entirely on the Mexican tomato industry formally proving altered economic conditions to initiate a new review.
#2 – USMCA Sunset Review and Escalation: During the mandatory six-year sunset review on July 1, 2026, the United States declined to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form. While the pact remains active, the lack of a 16-year extension triggers mandatory annual reviews and ongoing trilateral negotiations. Arizona leadership will continue to lobby for full renewal, with Director Brierley slated to engage international counterparts at the Tri-national Agricultural Accord in Canada from September 28 to October 1.
#3 – Phased Border Reopening for Livestock: In response to successful risk-mitigation and animal disease screening programs by Arizona and Sonoran officials, USDA Secretary Brook Rollins announced a phased reopening of livestock ports of entry. Recognized as a low-risk zone for the New World screwworm, the Douglas Port of Entry will officially reopen on August 24, 2026, followed later by ports in New Mexico. Arizona’s Department of Agriculture has issued a Director’s Administrative Order to govern post-entry cattle movement, and local operators are actively upgrading port infrastructure to meet these compliance guidelines.