Following reports that the United States may import beef from Argentina, U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined six of their Republican colleagues in relaying concerns to the president from American beef producers.
“While we recognize the importance of strong trade relationships and diverse markets, our producers are seeking clarity on how this decision will be made, what safety and inspection standards will apply, and how this policy aligns with your administration’s commitment to strengthening American agriculture,” the lawmakers wrote in an Oct. 21 letter sent to Trump.
Among the members who joined Reps. Johnson and Fedorchak in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans (R-CO) and August Pfluger (R-TX), who wrote that the U.S. maintains the gold standard for food safety and animal health, safeguards that are enforced daily by federal inspectors and are a key reason consumers trust American beef.
“Any import policy must hold foreign suppliers to those same rigorous standards. Introducing beef from countries with inconsistent safety or inspection records could undermine the confidence that U.S. ranchers have worked decades to earn,” they wrote. “We respectfully request additional information on this matter and urge your administration to ensure that any future decisions are made with full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the U.S. cattle industry.”
America’s producers, wrote the lawmakers, can compete with anyone in the world if given an opportunity, and “they will continue to respond quickly to the market demand for more quality American beef in our grocery stores.”
In separate statements, Rep. Johnson and Rep. Fedorchak reiterated the concerns of their home-state beef producers.
“South Dakota’s cattle producers set the standard for quality and safety in beef production,” Rep. Johnson said. “I understand the president’s efforts to strengthen trade and keep food affordable, but those efforts should not undermine the farmers and ranchers who put dinner on our tables. American ranchers play by the rules, produce the best beef in the world, and they deserve a fair shot to compete.”
Rep. Fedorchak agreed, noting that all of the members who signed the letter have received a number of questions and calls from their constituents over the last few days.
“So we are asking for clarity on the administration’s long-term plans,” she said. “Our farmers and ranchers stand ready to deliver on the president’s America-First agenda. North Dakotans take great pride in producing the safest, highest-quality beef in the world and we should be building on that success.”