NCBA Presses for Speedy Resolution to Longshoremen Strike

Washington, D.C. (October 2, 2002) – In response to the West Coast longshoremen strike, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is urging Congress and the Bush Administration to make resolution of the strike a priority issue.  NCBA, along with other food industry partners and agricultural organizations, are in communication with congressional and agency offices, and are urging policymakers to step in and demonstrate bipartisan leadership to help bring the West Coast longshoremen strike to a timely conclusion.

“The White House is monitoring this issue closely,” says Wythe Willey, NCBA president and Iowa cattle producer. “Still, continued pressure on Senate and House leadership, agriculture committee leadership, and Finance/Ways and Means committee leadership to resolve this issue is critical.” 

The West Coast longshoremen strike has closed 29 ports from Seattle to San Diego, and could have serious implications for the U.S. cattle and meat industries and other export-dependent agricultural commodities.  More than 50 percent of all beef exports sold to Asia depart through West Coast ports.

Hampered by a weakened economy, low market conditions, and historically-severe drought conditions, American agriculture has already endured significant duress. 

“Exports are vital to U.S. agriculture, and Asian markets are a major part of export demand,” says Willey.  “It is important for our economy and we are urging the President to open the ports while the mediators try to work this out.”

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