Bipartisan legislation aimed at suspending beef imports from Paraguay has received unanimous support from three major beef-representing organizations — an unusual show of unity from groups that often find themselves at odds with one another.
The new bill comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s publication of a final rule that will allow the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from Paraguay.
Beef from Paraguay was initially restricted over concerns about foot-and-mouth disease and other other animal diseases.
After conducting a risk analysis on the importation of Paraguay’s beef products, the Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service concluded that the products are safe under certain conditions.
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan legislation.
“South Dakota ranch families work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality, and most affordable beef in the world,” said Rounds. “Paraguay has historically struggled to contain outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has prioritized diplomatic initiatives in the region over the interests of the American cattle industry. This poses a significant threat to not only our producers but our consumers as well. Consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation that prioritizes the well-being of American producers and consumers.”
This legislation is supported by R-CALF USA, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“We applaud Senator Rounds and Senator Tester for introducing this bill to protect both American livestock and American citizens,” said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA. “By requiring a timely and thorough evaluation of potential risks to disease introduction and food safety associated with importing fresh and frozen beef from Paraguay, the bill will ensure that America’s food supply remains safe and its cattle herd remains healthy.”
“The U.S. cattle industry has been absolutely clear on the immediate need to halt the importation of beef from countries such as Paraguay and Brazil,” said Justin Tupper, President of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. “There are numerous reasons to take action, including the threat to the health of the domestic cattle herd, the associated food safety risks due to government corruption within these nations, the deforestation of critical ecosystems to support industry in these countries, and the use of forced labor practices.”
“The United States has the highest food safety and animal health standards in the world, and any country who wishes to trade with the United States must demonstrate that they can meet those standards,” said Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs of NCBA. “Paraguay’s long history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and the lack of recent site visits, makes importing beef from Paraguay too risky. All our trade partners need to have inspection systems that can clearly provide an equivalent level of safety for animal health to prevent a possible foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United States.”
»Related: NCBA calls for immediate halt to Brazilian beef imports