NCBA Statement on USDA’s ‘Canadian Rule’ on BSE, Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of Live Cattle

December 29, 2004

“The announcement of this rule is another step in the process toward normalizing global trade for U.S. beef, which benefits U.S. beef producers. Since 96 percent of the world’s population lives outside U.S. borders, our ability to sell high quality U.S. beef to the world is key to growing the U.S. beef industry and increasing profitability for America’s cattle producers.

“First and foremost, people should know the beef products affected by this rule are safe. Period. This rule will also allow for the importation of feeder cattle and fed cattle less than 30 months of age which science has proven to be safe from BSE. Every beef product sold in this country is inspected, regardless of whether it comes from imported or domestic cattle. 

“Secondly, we expect our trading partners to base their decisions to trade with us on science, and we must do the same. The precedent that has been set by our handling of trade issues with Canada is hurting our government’s ability to fully re-open markets to U.S. beef exports. We must normalize trade with Canada in order for our industry to move forward in the global marketplace, expand our ability to sell U.S. beef to foreign consumers and put more dollars in the pockets of U.S. producers. 

“It is important to note that Canada has expanded its restricted feeder program to allow for year-round movement of feeder cattle to Canada from 39 U.S. states with no testing requirements for Bluetongue or Anaplasmosis. This is a tremendous step toward normalizing trade between our two countries, and NCBA will continue to work for year-round movement of feeder cattle to Canada from all U.S. states.

“Finally, NCBA is insisting that an orderly process be in place to ensure the flow of Canadian cattle into the U.S. does not cause unnecessary disruption to the domestic cattle market.”