Hoeven Contacts Ag Sec. Schafer to Urge Farm Bill Extension

Press Release

Hoeven Contacts Ag Sec. Schafer To Urge Farm Bill Extension

Governor Also Thanks Schafer for Work on Lifting Korean Beef Ban

Gov. John Hoeven this morning spoke with Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer to urge the Bush administration to sign an extension on the current farm bill, giving lawmakers another week to resolve differences on the new legislation.

"We're pleased the President will sign the extension for the farm bill," Hoeven said. "Recognizing there have already been extensions to the current farm bill, we are hopefully close to an agreement. A new and improved farm bill is worth the additional time necessary to provide the right kind of support for our farmers and ranchers."

Hoeven also thanked Sec. Schafer and the administration for their work in helping to get the Korean ban on American beef lifted.

"South Korea imported $815 million worth of beef and beef products from the United States before the ban was imposed in 2003, and now that it's lifted, industry officials expect Korea to import more than $1 billion worth of beef from American ranchers," Hoeven said. "Korea could become our largest export market for U.S. beef, and that means North Dakota producers can not only reclaim their former market share, but actually expand it."

Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple, while leading a trade mission to South Korea last month, pressed for the lifting of the ban on American beef.

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