From staff reports The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the U.S. Senate for passing a resolution to block Paraguayan beef imports. The resolution comes in response to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that lifted the longstanding ban on Paraguayan beef imports despite the country’s concerning animal health track record.
“Thank you to the strong bipartisan group of senators who voted to overturn the harmful decision to allow Paraguay beef imports into the United States,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “Our animal health standards are second to none, and we must be vigilant in protecting the U.S. cattle herd from harmful foreign animal diseases that could have a devastating impact on U.S. agriculture. Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease is a great concern, and anyone who wishes to trade with the United States must demonstrate they can meet our high standards.”
Meanwhile- the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association also cheered the Senate vote- Michael Kelsey provided this comment to us: “We greatly appreciate the US Senate voting in a bipartisan manner to advance a resolution blocking beef imports from Paraguay. USDA approved the importation of Paraguay beef based upon very old data and inspections. With their recent history of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, it is inappropriate to risk the health of our US herd by opening beef trade to Paraguay. We urge the House to pass this resolution asap.”