NCBA filed comments Tuesday in opposition to a USDA proposal to expand the range of meat imports from the Patagonia South region of Argentina. NCBA Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes says animal health concerns dictated NCBA’s position.

Cut #1 :18  Outcue: "...keep it that way."

Stokes explained that while there are many misconceptions about FMD, the threat it poses to livestock health must be taken seriously.

Cut #2 :14  Outcue: "...absolutely must avoid."

Stokes says NCBA’s concerns about FMD are not directly aimed at the Patagonia region, but neighboring areas where FMD is an ongoing problem.

Cut #3 :19  Outcue: "...into this region."

Stokes emphasized that this region poses very little competitive threat to the U.S. cattle industry from an economic standpoint.

Cut #4 :31  Outcue: "...not likely to happen."

He said that while NCBA is committed to free and fair trade, the proposed rule regarding Patagonia is premature and ill-advised, at least until stronger border controls are in place to address animal health concerns.

Cut #5 :39  Outcue: "...current import restrictions."