While the vote moves the resolution over to the House for consideration, the President would need to sign the resolutions in order for the rule to be pulled at USDA. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed opening the U.S. to fresh beef imports from the South American country in March of last year with the final rule becoming effective in December.
Farm Bureau along with many other cattle organizations had opposed the move by the USDA questioning the methodology used by USDA when making the determination that Foot and Mouth Disease was no longer a concern in the country. Nebraska Farm Bureau president, Mark McHargue said, “Nebraska Farm Bureau thanks the United States Senate, especially Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts for supporting the resolution opposing the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay.
While we remain strong supporters of trade, we also remain committed to ensuring our trading partners meet all animal health and disease safety standards. Unfortunately, USDA failed in their safety assessment of Paraguay whose beef remains a significant Foot and Mouth Disease risk.
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Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle