For Immediate Release
December 30th, 2015
Contact:
Ashley Kohls
Phone: 612-618-6619
The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) recently submitted comments concerning the proposed rule by USDA APHIS to import fresh (chilled or frozen), matured, deboned beef from Northern Argentina into the United States.
While MSCA supports trade based on scientifically informed principles that are consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, we do not support the proposed rule by USDA APHIS to import fresh beef from Northern Argentina into the United States.
In the comments, MSCA supports research completed by the University of Minnesota.
This opposition concerning the APHIS risk analysis reflect the findings obtained through a third party, objective, scientific review of APHIS’s Risk Analysis: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Risk from Importation of Fresh (Chilled or Frozen), Matured, Deboned Beef from Northern Argentina into the United States by a team of risk assessors from the University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, and the Center for Veterinary Population Medicine. The UMN team of reviewers included: Tim Goldsmith, DVM, MPH; Will Hueston, DVM, PhD; James Lee, DVM, MPH; and Fernando Sampedro, PhD. We believe that every effort should be made to develop an integrated domestic-foreign trade policy which encourages reciprocity, elimination of unfair trade restrictions and a movement toward private enterprise and free markets. We also believe APHIS needs to stay committed to ensuring the continued health and well-being of the United States cattle herd and to producing safe and wholesome beef products for consumers.
The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) is a membership-based organization that represents cattle farmers and individuals who are part of the cattle community in Minnesota.
Posted: December 30, 2014
