Cramer Expresses Concerns on APHIS Decision to Allow Imports of Argentinian Beef

Press Release

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a proposed rule to allow the importation of beef from a region in northern Argentina, despite concerns over contamination due to foot-and-mouth disease. Congressman Kevin Cramer said he has concerns about the proposed rule and is encouraging North Dakota ranchers to submit public comment.

"Allowing beef imports from the Patagonia region of Argentina would risk the spread of an extremely contagious livestock disease. My concerns about this rule echo those of cattle ranchers across North Dakota who want to protect the health and safety of their herds. I plan on maintaining close contact with the USDA on this issue and encourage concerned ranchers to submit comments in the meantime," said Cramer.

The public can submit comments at this link until October 28. The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) along with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association have expressed their opposition to the proposal. Earlier this year, the NDSA cited concerns about "the incomplete and undocumented site reviews USDA conducted to prepare this information and the lack of a quantitative analysis of the data."

In February, Cramer wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting an extension of the comment period on a proposed rule allowing the importation of beef from 14 states in Brazil due to similar concerns about foot-and-mouth disease. The USDA eventually agreed to extend the comment period for another 60 days.

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