Delays Grow for Travelers to Tomatoes as U.S. Cuts Hours

[xchrom]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-05/delays-grow-for-travelers-to-tomatoes-as-u-s-cuts-hours.html


A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official inspects trucks entering from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego.

Customs inspectors trimmed working hours at the nation’s second-busiest container port and lines more than doubled at some of the largest airports as U.S. spending cuts began slowing transportation links.

The disruptions stemmed from a Homeland Security Department decision to reduce overtime, the first consequence of budget cuts that took effect March 1 and may lead to furloughs next month. The changes will mean fewer federal workers at airports, harbors and land borders, making it harder for passengers and produce to clear customs, officials said.

Importers of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables are bracing for long lines at border crossings, said Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. Shipments may surge as weather and markets change, and companies rely on customs agents being present when needed, he said.

“They need to have flexibility, and without overtime you don’t have flexibility,” said Jungmeyer, whose Nogales, Arizona-based trade group promotes Mexican produce in the U.S. Plans for furloughs next month add to the industry’s concerns, he said.

[Javaman]

1. If you can grow your own...

I put in 12 plants last year and had enough, via preservation for 6 months.

This year, I'm putting in 20 plants.

[xchrom]

3. tomato jam is something i've been wanting to try. nt

[Botany]

2. this is the tip of the iceberg

I have no doubt that the republicans want to crash the economy in order to
help their political position. They know what the sequester will do and in
private they are delighted by the hurt and suffering.