2000 News Archive
STATEMENT BY NCBA Regarding the Nomination of Ann Veneman for Secretary of Agriculture
“NCBA applauds President-elect Bush’s nomination today of Ann Veneman for secretary of agriculture.
"Veneman, a California lawyer, has a strong background in both agriculture and international trade. This will be critical for the beef industry, as exports are our future for growth. Ninety-six percent of potential consumers of U.S. beef -- nearly six billion people -- live outside U.S. borders.
“Veneman has expertise serving in previous roles with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She has formerly served as USDA deputy secretary (1991-93) as well as deputy under secretary of agriculture for international affairs and commodity programs (1989-91). She also served as secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (1995-1999).
“Veneman's experience also includes a role as associate administrator for USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (1986-1989), where she was involved in the last round of international trade negotiations.
“NCBA looks forward to working with Veneman and will urge her to implement key issues for U.S. cattle producers such as ensuring that trade laws are fair, continuing to open up new markets for U.S. beef, maintaining a free market system, ensuring that market information is available to producers and continuing to improve the meat inspection system to ensure that U.S. beef remains the gold standard for wholesomeness and safety.”
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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.