Statement Regarding Dispute Settlement Body meeting on the EU Beef Ban

Given the EU's weakened position since the WTO ruling that the EU ban on beef is not scientifically-based and therefore unfair, we are not surprised at the EU's attempts to stretch out the dispute resolution process as long as possible. For nearly ten years already, the EU has stalled in trying to resolve this issue. We are confident that eventually the US will persevere. When this happens, the EU will be forced to abide by the rules of the WTO or face the consequences. This would mean market access for the US and giving European consumers the option to buy US beef. As far as our industry is concerned, compensation in exchange for continuing this unscientific trade barrier is definitely not an acceptable alternative.

   Using growth promotants in beef production is a scientifically sound and safe practice that has enabled US beef producers to produce leaner animals more efficiently for more than 30 years. The US Food and Drug Administration and the EU Commission have both concluded that the five growth promotants used in cattle production are safe for both livestock and for people who eat meat.

   The WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) will meet today to adopt the World Trade Organization's August 18 report that ruled in favor of the US regarding the EU's ban on US beef. The DSB's purpose is to oversee all dispute settlement actions and make panel findings official. Countries involved in a dispute may appeal at any time prior to the adoption of a report, and the EU, as expected, filed its appeal with the DSB on September 24. Once an appeal is filed, the DSB has no more than 90 days to rule on the appeal.

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

   Background information on the EU Beef Ban can be found on the web at www.beef.org/hill. Information on the World Trade Organization can be found at www.wto.org.