AFBF Says Increased Beef Imports Could Threaten U.S. Supply

In an effort to lower the prices consumers pay at the local grocery store, President Trump recently announced plans to import beef from Argentina; a decision that’s not sitting well with the ranching community. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says increased beef imports threaten a fragile recovery for cattle farmers.

U.S. Ranchers Have Been Struggling For Years

“Farmers are facing an economic storm," Duvall said. "They’re being paid historically low prices for crops across the board, while expenses remain high. Many beef farmers have operated in the red for several years as well....Just the mention of beef imports creates more volatility and uncertainty in rural America. Flooding markets with foreign-grown beef could also affect our nation’s ability to remain food independent.”

Duvall went on to say the AFBF is urging the Administration to carefully consider the damage importing more beef and cattle from other countries will have on America’s cattle industry.