Trade Agreement With Colombia Has Benefited U.S. Cattle Producers

Six years ago, the United States entered into a free trade agreemen with Colombia, which in turn has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for U.S. red meat.  Don Mason with the U.S. Meat Export Federation said a rapidly growing middle class and an improving economy a great one two punch for American ranchers.

“And what that means is as their middle class grows, folks want more protein.  People like their beef, they like their pork, they are increasing their consumption of both of those, there’s a lot of room to grow with both of those.  The Free Trade Agreement has certainly helped smooth that.  We do have some obstacles left to get over the hump with.”

Mason said tourism continues to grow in Colombia pushing the need for more restaurants, which he says will translate into additional opportunities.

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