Fedorchak: Foreign beef imports send the wrong signal to North Dakota ranchers

Bismarck, ND - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it will temporarily allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported into the United States without the higher out-of-quota tariff:

"We all want lower grocery prices, but we cannot do so on the backs of North Dakota ranchers and producers. Importing foreign beef tariff-free-and selling it below market price-undercuts producers who are investing millions of dollars in an already risky business to rebuild their herds. At a time when ranchers need certainty to increase domestic production, this sends the wrong signal. And this timing, when our producers are taking feeder cattle to market, is especially bad.

"Any foreign beef sold here must meet the same rigorous inspection and safety standards as American-raised beef. I am in direct contact with USDA to understand how it plans to address these concerns. I am also requesting an update on the ongoing investigations into the meatpacking industry and the market practices contributing to higher beef prices.

"Short-term market intervention will not lower prices over the long term. The lasting solution is to strengthen American cattle production and address the problems in the packing industry that are driving up prices."