NDFU issues statement on Argentine beef imports

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue issued the following statement today in response to President Trump's Feb. 6 proclamation, titled "Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer," which increases imports of Argentine beef quotas from 20,000 tons to roughly 100,000 tons in 2026.

"Increasing Argentine beef imports is the wrong approach to growing our beef supply. While the administration claims this move will lower grocery bills, history and economists tell us otherwise: it will push down the prices paid to American ranchers, not the grocery store prices paid by consumers. That is why this plan has garnered nearly unanimous opposition from U.S. cattle producers.

"The administration should focus on supporting U.S. ranchers, not our foreign competitors. We urge the administration to address consolidation in the meatpacking sector, advance country-of-origin labeling and give young ranchers the tools they need to expand their operations."