McMorris Sends Letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Regarding theRe-opening of the Canadian Border
McMorris Sends Letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Regarding theRe-opening of the Canadian Border
March 4, 2005
(Washington, DC) -- Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) wrote the following letter to the Secretary of Agriculture expressing her concern over re-opening the Canadian border on March 7, 2005. McMorris also signed a Resolution submitted by Rep. Jerry Moran (KS-01) regarding the resumption of beef exports to Japan.
Dear Secretary,
I would like to express my deep concern regarding the re-opening of the Canadian border scheduled for March 7, 2005 as it is imperative that we address all aspects of safety related to the importation of Canadian beef before moving forward. Below are some questions I would like to see answered prior to opening the border.
Cattle production is the largest single segment of U.S. agriculture (accounting for 20% of U.S. farm sales annually). According to United States Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service in 2003 the 5th district of Washington State had 301,500 heads of cattle and statewide there were 945,000 heads of cattle. I hope these numbers convey the importance of this industry in my district and the state of Washington.
I appreciate your attention as this issue has caused much unease among the cattle producers in my district.
How will the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State Departments of Agriculture address and finance the verification and traceability of Canadian Live Cattle once they enter the U.S.?
What is USDA's position on the importation of breeding stock?
Cattlemen would like to have clarification on the quantity of Canadian cattle entering the United States. This information is imperative to reduce the impact imported live cattle will have on domestic markets. Has a quota been determined for the entry of live Canadian cattle into the U.S.?
At what time will the cattle be considered 30 months of age?
Slaughter or at the time of importation?
Cattlemen would like individual states to have the ability to designate restricted and/or quarantined feedlots. Does USDA agree with this position?
Cattlemen believe that no importation of live cattle from Canada should resume until health issues including bluetongue, anaplasmosis, tuberculosis, and brucellosis are fully addressed. Has USDA properly addressed the protection of the U.S. cattle herds from these diseases?
Can USDA provide assurance that Canada has implemented regulations and an inspection process that is at least as effective as is presently in place in the U.S.?
Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wa05_mcmorris/pr_050304secagric.html