President George H.W. Bush, on Dec. 17, 1992 — some 20 years ago this week — signed the documents that made up the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Though it took a little more than a year to go into effect, because of the ratifications needed in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Congress
NAFTA was controversial from the start when negotiations began in the mid 1980’s. Many argued NAFTA would bleed American jobs to Mexico. Others said it would be a boon for the American economy.
The trade agreement allowed for the free flow of fruits and vegetables between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. There have been winners and losers on both sides, but among the losers are Florida’s fresh tomato growers.
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