News Releases for December 2003
December 31, 2003
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Hoeven, Midwest Governors Coordinate Beef Industry Support
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced that he is working with the governors of eight other states to support the American beef industry in light of the discovery of BSE in a Washington state cow last week. Those states are North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.
“We all agreed to speak in support of our beef industry in news releases and at news conferences throughout the Midwest today,” Hoeven said. “American beef is safe and unrivaled in quality, and we urge consumers to support our ranchers.”
According to Hoeven, the governors will make three points:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) food safety system worked - the infected animal was identified and all meat products associated with the animal were recalled.
- The USDA is taking strong and appropriate follow-up steps to further secure America’s meat supply.
- Governors are working together to help the USDA reopen foreign export markets to U.S. beef products.
“This is the exact message that the industry needs,” said Wade Moser, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. “We want to reassure the public that the product is safe, and to work with our international trading partners to base their decisions on sound science.”
On Monday, Hoeven contacted governors in Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska to coordinate the joint effort. Yesterday, he joined a conference call with seven governors or their representatives initiated by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Currently, the effort includes nine states, and more may join.
Hoeven said the governors will continue to work together to support the American beef industry. His personal New Year’s resolution, he said, is to eat more beef in 2004. In addition, Hoeven invited Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty for a steak dinner at a restaurant of Pawlenty’s choice.
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