USDA PREPARES RULE TO INCREASE TRADE ACCESS

FOR BEEF AND CATTLE FROM ARGENTINA

NCBA Staff Contact: 

Gregg Doud, Chief Economist

202-347-0228

gdoud@beef.org

Summary:
NCBA’s cattle-producer members are worried that USDA will soon release a rule that could expand trade access for Argentina and jeopardize the health of the U.S. cattle herd. 

Animal diseases, especially Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), continue to be a problem in Argentina and neighboring countries.  For this reason, NCBA has opposed USDA releasing the rule before conducting an updated and thorough risk assessment.

Background:

In response to the proposed rule formally titled, “Change in Disease Status of the Patagonia South Region of Argentina With Regard to Rinderpest and Foot-and-Mouth Disease,” NCBA filed comments on this issue in March 2007.

“The risk to U.S. agriculture and to our cattle producers of introducing FMD into our country is too great and the economic and animal health consequences are far too significant to prematurely allow a change in the disease status of Patagonia South as it relates to FMD and rinderpest at this time,” NCBA’s comments said.  “USDA should keep in mind that their actions must protect the health of the United States cattle herd as well as protect the economic livelihood of U.S. cattlemen and other affected livestock species as trade is resumed with all international partners.”

Of equal concern to cattlemen is why USDA would expand their efforts to increase beef imports from another country when U.S. beef and breeding stock exports to other countries continues to be banned.

“Clearly USDA has its priorities mixed up,” says NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt.  “It is unconscionable for USDA to work to expand access for any other beef into our country when they have yet to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the reopening of export markets for U.S. beef and breeding stock.  Science is always the primary concern for making these types of decisions but you just cannot ignore the financial impacts of these types of decisions – especially when costs of production are skyrocketing largely based on government policies. We need relief and we need results that mean beef and cattle sales to previously strong markets.” 

A group of key senate leaders representing northern cattle states have sent USDA Secretary Ed Schafer a letter expressing their concerns over this rule as well.

Key Points:

·         In Spring 2008, USDA is preparing to release a rule (titled:  Change in Disease Status of the Patagonia South Region of Argentina with Regard to Rinderpest and Foot-and-Mouth Disease) that could expand trade access for Argentinean beef and cattle.

·         Animal diseases, especially Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), continue to be a problem in Argentina and neighboring countries.  For this reason, NCBA has opposed USDA releasing the rule before conducting an updated and thorough risk assessment.

·         In response to the proposed rule NCBA filed comments in March 2007 saying, “The risk to U.S. agriculture and to our cattle producers of introducing FMD into our country is too great and the economic and animal health consequences are far too significant to prematurely allow a change in the disease status of Patagonia South as it relates to FMD and rinderpest at this time.”

·         Of equal concern to cattlemen is why USDA would expand their efforts to increase beef imports from another country when U.S. beef and breeding stock exports to other countries continues to be banned.

·         A group of key senate leaders representing northern cattle states have sent USDA Secretary Ed Schafer a letter expressing their concerns over this rule as well.