Beef producers in the U.S., Mexico and Canada have signed an agreement to advocate for more oversight of lab-grown proteins, protect cattle from disease and promote the sustainability of the cattle industry. The joint statement builds on a previously signed statement between the U.S. and Australia.
In addition to the signed agreement, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) also submitted a letter to their respective trade leaders, urging them to open markets for beef exports and expand stronger oversight of beef imports.
The groups said the North American cattle and beef supply chain represents 27% of the world’s beef production, and that producers provide the world with safe, high-quality and sustainably produced beef.
“Unfortunately, the three governments have expanded market access for beef imports while providing little opportunities for beef exports,” the industry groups said. “If this continues, it will place North American cattle producers at a competitive disadvantage to other beef producers, including South America.”
The letter noted that Brazil and Paraguay have been given access to the U.S. market, Brazil and Argentina were given access to the Mexico market and the United Kingdom gained access to Canada, “but none of these actions have resulted in meaningful reciprocal trade for U.S., Mexican, or Canadian beef products.”
NCBA has previously objected to allowing Brazil access to the American market due to previous issues with the country failing to report cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a timely manner. The group noted that countries are required to report cases within 24 hours, a standard the U.S. has continuously met, whereas Brazil has delayed reporting cases from 35 days to nearly two years.
“That lack of transparency increases the risk to food safety and makes Brazil an unreputable trading partner,” NCBA said.
The letter concluded by asking trade officials to continue holding trading partners accountable and to promote science-based and rules-based standards that promote sustainable practices.
The letter and joint statement were signed at the CNOG 2024 convention in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico by NCBA President Mark Eisele, CNOG President Sr. Homero GarcÃa de la Llata and CCA President Nathan Phinney. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
