NCBA Pushes Administration on Beef Access in China, GIPSA
Leaders from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the North American Meat Institute and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association have sent a letter to President Donald Trump that urges him to raise the restoration of U.S. beef access to China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
Last fall China announced it had lifted its ban on imports of U.S. beef, "but attempts since then to negotiate the technical terms of access have been unsuccessful," according to NCBA. American beef producers have been denied access to China's $2.6 billion import market since 2003.
NCBA is also pushing USDA to withdraw its Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act interim final and proposed rules. Craig Uden, NCBA president, said the rules stand to threaten market incentives, the quality of American beef the industry is known for, and will ultimately cost the cattle industry $954 million.
On the other hand, NCBA also applauded Trump for signing a congressional resolution that directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to repeal its Planning 2.0 Rule.
Ethan Lane, executive director of PLC and NCBA federal lands, called it a "significant victory for western ranchers," explaining that the rule "would have caused a wholesale shift in management focus at BLM by prioritizing 'social and environmental change' over ensuring the multiple use of public lands."
