Congressman Salazar Applauds Decision to Delay Canadian Beef Imports

Court Recognizes Concerns of Cattlemen and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) released the following statement today, applauding the U.S. District Court’s decision to recognize cattlemen’s concerns and delay the importation of Canadian beef. In a House Agriculture Committee hearing with Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns yesterday, Salazar raised his constituents’ concerns about protecting the domestic beef market, stating that protecting local producers and guaranteeing food safety should be the agency’s top priority.

“I will always stand with our local producers and am glad to hear that the courts have decided to delay the importation of Canadian beef.  The delay of the rule is a concrete example of how local activity and Congressional action can make a real difference.

“The opening of the border to Canadian cattle at this time would have come with the risk of jeopardizing consumer confidence in our beef products. The temporary injunction forces the government to take a stronger look at the science based concerns of local cattlemen and ranchers.

“I would hope that the USDA would take this opportunity to work with local cattlemen and producers to provide guarantees that imported beef be subject to the same rigorous testing procedures as domestic products. Whatever the final rule is, it needs to be based on sound science.”