Ag groups are weighing in on Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s announcement that the U.S. has suspended all fresh beef imports from Brazil due to safety concerns. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden supports the move to suspend Brazilian imports because it’s a result of USDA’s science-based testing protocol of imported beef. “This proves our food safety system works effectively,” Uden says. “NCBA supports science-based trade and keeping our food supply safe.” Leo McDonnell, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Trade Committee Chair, says his group also supports the decision to suspend the imports. “Since March, the Food Safety and Inspection Service has refused entry on 11 percent of Brazilian beef imports,” McDonnell says. “It’s for that reason the USCA remains adamantly opposed to the imports of Brazilian beef products.” House Ag Committee Chair Mike Conaway says halting imports from Brazil is an appropriate and necessary measure as Brazilian officials work to correct the situation. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says his group has had concerns about Brazilian beef imports for a long time. Johnson says overseas beef scandals can undermine consumer confidence in the entire beef industry, risking American producers’ bottom lines.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.