The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted comments following the announcement of an investigation into Brazil’s trade practices.
In mid-July, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated an investigation of Brazil under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
“NCBA encourages USTR to work with USDA to simplify the facility registration, product registration, and labeling requirements for Brazil and create a more objective and transparent set of standards for U.S. beef exports,” the group wrote in its comments.
However, NCBA noted that its greater concern is the “questionable risk that Brazil’s access poses to the health of U.S. consumers and the U.S. cattle herd.” The group said it is not concerned with Brazilian imports displacing U.S. beef in the U.S. market, but rather with food safety and animal health practices that may undermine U.S. consumer confidence in beef.
