Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns: March 24, 2004

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns

March 24, 2004

The CCC is a weekly report from Washington D.C. giving an up-to-date summary of top policy initiatives concerning the cattle industry; direct from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Export Market Update: There were several key developments this week in the continuing effort to reopen U.S. beef export markets. These were part of a formal process that has to happen before trade can be reinstated. The USDA completed its response to the International Review Team (IRT) report following the finding of the imported Canadian cow with BSE in Washington State.  The report was commissioned by Secretary Veneman to review the USDA investigation and to provide recommendations to ensure protection of public health and animal health.

Not only does this response provide the formal justification that the U.S. is a very low risk country for BSE and that trade in beef, beef products and live cattle can be resumed safely, but its completion is an important step in the process toward resuming trade in all of our export markets. We could not make formal requests to reinstate beef trade with our export markets without this formal response from USDA.

All countries that import U.S. beef who are members of the Office of International Epizootics (OIE) were immediately sent copies of the report and official letters this week, officially requesting that these countries resume beef trade with the U.S. It is anticipated that this process should facilitate the resumption of beef trade to several countries, however, further discussions in the form of technical trade teams to the U.S. may also be required in some instances. In the immediate future, USDA will focus its efforts on key Asian markets for U.S. beef other than Japan. These markets include Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea. USDA will also be focusing on two key beef variety meat export markets: Russia and Egypt.

NCBA Members Storm D.C. Next Week!  It’s almost here, the time when hundreds of cattle producers from across the country come to the national’s capital to make their voices heard! The 2004 Spring Conference in Washington D.C. runs March 29-April 3.  Attendees will hear directly from top policymakers, meet face-to-face with key Congressional offices, government agency influencers and have the opportunity to articulate policy priorities for today’s cattle industry. It’s not too late to register, and join our important Washington round-up. For a FULL rundown of details, go to http://hill.beef.org/spring

Mexican Export Market: Earlier this month, Secretary Javier Usabiaga of Mexico announced the reopening of the border to U.S. beef products.  Currently only boneless boxed beef less than 30 months of age is allowed.  As part of the agreement that was reached, Mexico indicated that they will continue to open their borders to U.S. products as the U.S. opens up its trade with Canada. As of today, technicalities regarding the export certification process have held up U.S. beef variety meat exports to Mexico. However, it is anticipated that this issue will be resolved very soon. NCBA will continue to address all concerns for cattle producers.

NCBA in New Zealand: NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Chandler Keys is in Whangarei, New Zealand today, featured as a guest speaker at the "Meat and Wool Conference" and & Annual General Meetings for Meat & Wool New Zealand. The conference features Keys and five other expert speakers who will "predict what's in store for meat and wool to 2014." Keys was invited to present the global perspective on the future for beef across the world, especially in terms of food safety, marketing, consumer preferences, and government policy. Other speakers included industry professionals and government officials, including the Honorable Jim Sutton, New Zealand Minister of Agriculture and Trade Negotiations. NCBA believes this meeting is an important opportunity to showcase the strength and productivity of U.S. cattle producers across the globe.

Live Cattle and Canada: In early March, USDA reopened its comment period regarding the resumption of Canadian live cattle exports to the U.S. for immediate slaughter and Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. for 30 days. The last day for comments is April 7, 2004 and NCBA will be submitting comments before the deadline. We will continue to monitor the situation and push our trading partners to re-open their borders to U.S. beef.

Just Announced: The Application Deadline for Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) has been extended to April 10, 2004!! Go to hill.beef.org/esap for all information on this program.

Animal ID:  Members of The U.S. Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) Steering Committee are in Washington this week briefing House and Senate Ag and Appropriations Committee staffers on the Animal ID issue and the framework for a national animal ID plan provided by the USAIP.  As many as seven separate bills have been introduced calling for a national animal identification system.  Earlier this month, NCBA President and Kansas cattle producer Jan Lyons testified before the House Agriculture Committee on this issue, and NCBA Vice President and Missouri cattle producer Mike John testified on the subject before the Senate Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on Marketing, Inspection, and Product Promotion.  NCBA is part of the USAIP team of industry groups, government officials, veterinarians and other academics that have been working on the plan for more than two years.  

Child Nutrition Act:  On Wednesday night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3873, the Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act by a vote of 419-5. NCBA sent letters to all House members urging them to support passage of the bill. H.R. 3873 will help to promote healthy eating habits for school age children.  This bill reauthorizes the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Child and Adult Care Food Program, After-School Snack Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and makes common-sense reforms to improve services and strengthen the programs on behalf of disadvantaged children and families.  Parts of the bill are set to expire by March 31, 2004 if not reauthorized, so there is belief that the Senate may take quick action on this next week.

House Debate on Budget:  The House began its debate on the budget this week.  Contained in the appropriations for Fiscal Year 2005 is crucial funding for our nation’s animal health infrastructure, agriculture programs and USDA activities, especially those related to BSE and animal diseases.  NCBA sent a letter to key members of the House Appropriations Committee urging that these programs remain funded in the FY05 budget.  NCBA routinely sends a letter each Spring to identify the industry’s funding priorities, and as expected, this year’s priorities include animal disease surveillance, animal ID, and food safety programs.  The House and Senate agriculture appropriations committees are expected to begin writing the bill in early summer.

Sage Grouse: Nineteen key members of Congress sent a letter this week to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman urging support for the Sage Grouse issue.  The Fish and Wildlife service are currently considering whether to list the Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) which would cause serious repercussions to land use throughout the west, especially for ranchers.  The letter signed by Representatives Chris Cannon (R-UT), Butch Otter (R-ID), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jim Gibbons (R-NV), Bob Bishop (R-UT), Richard Pombo (R-CA), Greg Walden (R-OR), Tom Tancredo (R-CO), Barbara Cubin (R-WY), Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), Denny Rehberg (R-MT), Stevan Pearce (R-NM), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Jennifer Dunn (R-WA), Tom Osborne (R-NE), Doug Ose R-CA), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Bob Beauprez (R-CO), and Scott McInnis (R-CO) asks for Secretary Veneman to earmark $5 million from the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program for Sage Grouse conservation projects.  NCBA and the Public Lands Council are working to illustrate that positive steps are being taken to conserve the bird and show the ESA listed is not needed. 

Animal Welfare: NCBA was a co-sponsor and participant in a summit on animal welfare issues this week.  The Animal Agriculture Alliance conference, titled "Animal Welfare's Importance to the Food Chain, Turning Challenges into Opportunities,"  ran March 22 – 24  in Arlington, Virginia. For decades, cattle producers have recognized the benefits of properly caring for livestock.  Proper care benefits the animals’ welfare, health, productivity, longevity and ultimately the profitability of the operation. These issues are of significant importance to all cattle producers.

Wyoming/New Jersey visitors: This week, NCBA Washington D.C. offices hosted two additional state agriculture leadership development programs from across the country. Wyoming’s leadership program was here this Monday, and New Jersey’s program was here today (Thursday). NCBA Washington D.C. staff briefed the visitors on top agriculture policy issues in D.C. for 2004.

Media Contact:

Tanya Augustson or Karen Batra at 202-347-0228 taugustson@beef.org or kbatra@beef.org

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