Plan follows Trump admin’s effort to bail out Argentina while American ranchers and farmers struggle
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined 14 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to urge U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to reverse the Trump administration’s reckless plan to import more beef from Argentina.
“Rather than reward Argentina’s president and agricultural producers, we encourage you to focus on policies that support American farmers and ranchers and that bring down costs for all Americans,” wrote the senators. “If the Administration wants to address consumer prices and support U.S. farmers and ranchers, it should end the chaotic, across-the-board tariffs that are driving market instability, upending valuable export markets, and increasing the cost of equipment and other inputs.”
Last week, Hickenlooper called out the Trump admin’s unwelcome interference that’ll undermine beef producers in Colorado. Along with the senators, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the US Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), the Colorado Livestock Association, and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union have all come out against the admin’s effort.
The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear Ambassador Greer,
We write in strong opposition to the Administration’s undeveloped plan to increase imports of Argentinian beef. This announcement has already had tangible market impacts felt by cattle producers across the country, at a time when cattle producers are looking for long-term stability to rebuild their herds. Rather than reward Argentina’s president and agricultural producers, we encourage you to focus on policies that support American farmers and ranchers and that bring down costs for all Americans.
If the Administration wants to address consumer prices and support U.S. farmers and ranchers, it should end the chaotic, across-the-board tariffs that are driving market instability, upending valuable export markets, and increasing the cost of equipment and other inputs.
In addition, we are concerned that this plan could also introduce serious animal health threats that further cripple U.S. cattle production at a time of low cattle supply. Argentina has a history of foot-and-mouth disease and ongoing issues with New World Screwworm. The introduction of either one of these animal health threats would pose severe risks to U.S. livestock production, disrupt domestic and international trade, and have far-reaching economic consequences across rural communities and the agricultural supply chain.
Instead of introducing additional volatility into the market, we urge you to implement a trade policy that uses targeted tariffs and other tools to ensure U.S. producers can fairly compete in the global marketplace while also ensuring Americans have access to healthy, affordable foods.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
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