For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Tanya Augustson, (202) 347-0228, taugustson@beef.org
Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org

NCBA Statement:

U.S. Cattle Producers Cheer House Passage of CAFTA

Jim McAdams, NCBA president and Texas cattle producer

July 28, 2005

“Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) by a vote of 217 to 215. Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the oldest and largest national association representing the cattle industry, applaud House members for realizing the agreement’s immediate benefits for U.S. agriculture. Clearly, a majority of our Representatives understand that CAFTA exemplifies the sort of trade agreement which is a win-win vote for all Americans.

“CAFTA-DR sets an excellent precedent for future trade agreements. It offers zero tariffs and a leveling of the playing field for U.S. beef. With CAFTA, the U.S. eliminates barriers for our products while providing adequate protections for the industry. Our industry’s primary goal in negotiating this agreement was to reduce all duties to zero. This agreement does just that, with eventual elimination of all duties on all U.S. beef and immediate duty-free access for Prime and Choice beef products.

“We look forward to growing these new markets for U.S. beef. In Central and South America, there is a need for high quality grain-fed beef that only the U.S. can provide to hotels and upscale restaurants. Since the beef product that CAFTA-DR countries produce is different than that of the U.S. and is mainly used in processed products in the U.S., increasing the importation of the CAFTA-DR country products compliments U.S. production.

“With many of our export markets still closed due to the Dec. 23, 2003 BSE case, having the President sign CAFTA into law this year will be great timing for cattle producers.

“We would like to again thank all of the House members who dedicated their time and effort to fighting the myths about this agreement. There was a lot of misinformation out there threatening the passage of CAFTA, but when it came down to the vote late last night, the smoke cleared and the facts of the agreement prevailed.”

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For extensive information regarding CAFTA Myths vs. Facts, go to:

http://www.beefusa.org/uDocs/cafta-drbeefmythvsfact.pdf or http://hill.beef.org/cafta

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.