U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would sign executive orders that would allow cattle ranchers to protect their herds against gray wolves, as well as other measures that aim to ease high beef prices.
Trump said he would also take steps to require country-of-origin labelling for imported beef and make it easier for ranchers and farmers to sell food they have processed themselves, which is currently restricted under federal food safety laws.
Retail beef prices have hit record highs this year, due in part to a historically low cattle supply constrained by drought and wildfires.
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Opinion polls show rising costs are a top concern of voters ahead of the November midterm elections, when Trump’s Republicans will try to maintain control of Congress.
Some ranchers have long sought to restore mandatory country-of-origin labelling for beef, arguing that it would support domestic producers and provide more transparency to consumers.
The dispute over beef labelling spans decades.
In 2009, the U.S. required retailers to mark food with origin labels, but Canada and Mexico argued that the provision disadvantaged their cattle and pigs.
In 2015, the World Trade Organization ruled in favour of the two countries, leading the U.S. to repeal mandatory labelling for meat.
Under current regulations, meat companies can voluntarily add a “Product of USA” label for meat born, raised and slaughtered within the country.
Trump signed an order last week to temporarily increase imports of some lower-tariff beef in an effort to bring down prices.
That was met with mixed reactions from ranchers and farmers, who have overwhelmingly voted for Trump in past elections.
Producer groups opposed Trump’s import plan, which they argued will disadvantage American ranchers, but responded more favourably to a suite of actions announced this week by the Department of Agriculture to support the beef sector.
” steps to require country-of-origin labelling for imported beef”
That’s a fair and intelligent thing to do.
“make it easier for ranchers and farmers to sell food they have processed themselves”
Yeah, right, be prepared to see a significant increase in food borne illnesses as safety standards disappear. Instead American beef should bear a warning sticker: “This food is processed without any regard for disease or safe handling, eat at your own risk.”
Trump’s good at beating other people’s meat
I’m an idiot. Ignore me since I’m a total stooge. A total donkey. Heeeehaw
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Trumpkin once again trying to appease US consumers when it’s his tarrifs and a bullsh_t war that have caused inflated prices on everything. What a joke of an administration. Pathetic!
Today we have a tie for the “Dumbest Comment Award” between Try This and KK for thinking if it is not inspected by the government, everyone is going to get sick. LoL
As if there is a inspection agent looking at every cow and saying “pull this cow it will make people sick”.
The government does not make meat safe, they just make it more expensive.
Does that mean they’ll be processing deported people?
His order to increase imports of hamburger was simply the temporary removal of tariffs on imported hamburger. He somehow believes that will cause the seller to reduce the price of the meat. Why? Removing the tariff will reduce the price of meat for the wholesaler/importer. There is absolutely no incentive to reduce the price.
Allowing ranchers to process their own beef without federal inspection would have health issues.
But with Trump adding and removing tariffs on a daily basis, all he is succeeding in doing is creating uncertainty. To that end, the wholesaler will increase their price to cover the possible re-introduction of another 50% tariff. So the result will be the exact opposite of what he wants.
Years ago ranchers could package their own beef in Canada. The quality was great because just one package of bad meat could ruin the ranchers reputation.
However today, the corporate packaging plants that have donated heavily to the Federal Government parties have convinced the government to create laws to put a stop to smaller meat processors.
Currently in Canada there are just two Canadian corporations and one Brazilian corporation allowed to process meat.
Smart move. Wow, Trump always looking after working class Americans. They are so lucky to have him.
KK….of coarse the meat has to be inspected as required by FMIA if it is sold commercially. Trump said that he is streamlining the red tape to make it easier for the ranchers/farmers.
Trump making America better
Carney making China & EU better
Meat needs to be Inspected !! Wait till people start getting sick & he will deny that! Hope he gets poisoned from non inspected beef!!