NCBA Supports Senator's Concerns About Trade Deal with Australia

By Wythe Willey, President

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

“A letter sent this week by Montana Senator Max Baucus clearly illustrates how NCBA’s long-term efforts in working with members of Congress can have a lasting effect.  The letter was sent to Robert B. Zoellick, United States Trade Representative, addressing concerns with Australian trade negotiations. This is a prime example of congressional support for American farmers and ranchers, and demonstrates how our producers can effectively work together with legislators to protect the interests of the U.S. cattle industry.

“In his letter Baucus supports the administration’s entry into trade negotiations with Australia.  However, he continues to express concerns – also raised in a letter to the administration by 34 agricultural groups, including NCBA – that Australia prohibits imports of U.S. products by using quarantine and health measures not based on good science.  Until Australia demonstrates a willingness to address the barriers to trade that keep U.S. agricultural products out of the Australian market, Baucus states, a free and fair trade agreement with that country will be difficult.  NCBA supports this position. 

“Furthermore, Baucus states, and NCBA agrees, that completing a U.S.-Australia agreement before completing the WTO negotiations would lessen the resolve of Australia to work for a multilateral agreement. NCBA does not support any trade concessions for Australia without its support for open access to other markets for all beef exporting countries.  The United States gains more from a new WTO round than in bilateral deals.

“The letter also supports NCBA’s stance that Australia not be allowed to expand its quota for beef exports to the United States. Now is not the time to be considering this action, and NCBA continues to adamantly oppose attempts to increase Australia's current quota.”

Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.