Farm groups have submitted comments to the Federal Register opposing the proposed APHIS rule allowing importation of beef products from Northern Argentina. NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs, Kristina Butts says they focused on the ongoing concerns about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the country and surrounding region.
She says APHIS needs to take a step back from this proposed notice and an earlier notice to allow Brazilian beef imports. She says the health of the U.S. cattle herd is not worth risking to open trade with the region.
The U.S. has maintained FMD-free status for decades, while Northern Argentina has had multiple cases since 2000.
