Statement by NCBA Regarding Funding to Strengthen Biosecurity Measures

(October 19, 2001) -- “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauds President Bush’s proposed allocation of $45.2 million to USDA to strengthen biosecurity programs and services.

“The recent request by the President to reinforce our security infrastructures and partnerships will make our systems even more capable of protecting farmers, ranchers and consumers from the impacts of accidental or deliberate introduction of foreign animal or plant diseases.

“It is important to have adequate resources to manage the possibility of multiple attacks on several geographic areas of agriculture. In the event of a natural disease outbreak, the disease is more easily isolated and treated. However, this is not necessarily the case with a biological attack.

“U.S. agriculture has invested wisely in infrastructure and in partnerships with states, farmers and ranchers, scientists and veterinarians to prevent the introduction of foreign animal and plant diseases and to respond if any diseases are found.”

The extra funding would help enhance security for USDA facilities, fund research, and provide technical assistance and education to state and local entities. President Bush is also allocating funds to hire hundreds more food inspectors to guard against tainted meat and poultry.

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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.