STATEMENT NCBA Encouraged by Progress in Resolving Canadian Trade Issues USDA/USTR Announce Details

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is encouraged by the progress being made in resolving the problems that stand in the way of fair trade between the United States and Canada. "The hard work by Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman and U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, combined with the voices of NCBA's state affiliates and grassroots members, serve to remind Canada that they must work with us in removing barriers to fair trade," said NCBA International Markets Committee Chairman Dana Hauck.

Several of the issues addressed by Secretary Glickman and Ambassador Barshefsky were discussed at the U.S./Canadian agriculture trade summit in Denver last October. "These actions to improve access to Canada for U.S. cattle and beef are promising and certainly steps in the right direction. We are appreciative of the work by USDA and USTR and are hopeful it is a sign of Canada's desire to keep the discussions going," said Hauck.

One sign that progress is being made involves the Northwest Pilot Project, designed to improve the access of U.S. feeder cattle into Canadian feedlots. Since early October, nearly 12,000 U.S. feeder cattle have crossed into Canada and approximately 2,000 additional head are moving each week. "Again, this is a good first step, and we are excited that Canada appears to be agreeing to expanding the Pilot to include 26 states. As these details firm up, it will be important for NCBA, our state affiliates and state governments to work with federal officials to make sure the right laws and regulations are in place to make this expansion work for ranchers," Hauck said.

Hauck indicated that on its part, NCBA has established a cross-border working group team to meet with Canadian beef producers to discuss involving cattle health concerns. "We want to work with Canada. There are issues where we face a common problem, such as the EU hormone ban. By collaborating, we can benefit producers on both sides of the border. But we need to resolve conflicts involving regionalization, standardized regulation of animal drugs, food safety inspection, not to mention the Canadian Wheat Board policies."

"We have Canada's attention. We look forward to the continued aggressive action by USDA and USTR to further these negotiations and make sure we get the details right. I can promise that NCBA and our members are eager to provide any assistance we can to the Ambassador and Secretary to eliminate any and all barriers to free and open trade with Canada," said Hauck.

-- NCBA --

Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the marketing organization and trade association for America’s one million cattle farmers and ranchers. With offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C., NCBA is a consumer-focused, producer-directed organization representing the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.