News Releases for January 2004
January 2, 2004
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Hoeven Meets With Ranchers In Support Of Beef Industry
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today met over a beef lunch with state ranchers, cattlemen and dairy producers in Dickinson to discuss BSE and how state and industry leaders can support the beef industry. Hoeven is seeking input from producers prior to his Monday meeting in Washington, D.C. with Chuck Conner, agriculture advisor to President George W. Bush, and Dale Moore, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“We are working hard to support the industry and reopen export markets for American beef,” Hoeven said. “The message is clear: our food safety system works and the USDA is taking strong and appropriate steps to further secure our beef supply. Domestic and foreign consumers alike can have confidence in the American beef industry.” Hoeven said he is grateful for the candid and insightful discussion with producers.
The producers emphasized that it’s important that the USDA educate consumers about the safety and high quality of America’s beef supply, according to Hoeven. Regarding international trade, the United States should not allow beef imports from other countries unless they meet the standards set by the domestic industry. This approach would protect the consuming public, but would also help to stabilize the market.
Hoeven also announced that he has joined 10 other Midwestern governors in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman supporting the American beef industry and requesting regular briefings for governors. Those states are North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma.
“We feel that the USDA has done an excellent job of communicating solid, science-based information to the public and governmental agencies, both in the United States and abroad,” the letter said. “As you continue your efforts, we would like to offer our assistance in helping in any way we can to promote beef, both domestically and to our foreign customers. As governors of beef producing states, we stand ready to work with you in a coordinated effort….”
The Governor also briefed producers about his plan to explore with federal officials the possibility of a pilot livestock identification program at North Dakota State University’s Beef Center of Excellence.
“The Centers of Excellence initiative is a tool to promote research and product development at our universities, linking students to higher paying jobs,” Hoeven said. “With nearly one million head of feeder cattle produced every year in North Dakota, this is just the kind of project we envisioned for our Beef Systems Science Center of Excellence.”
The $1.8 million Beef Systems Science Center is part of Hoeven’s Centers of Excellence initiative, introduced during the 2003 Legislative Session. The state of North Dakota is providing $800,000 in funding to leverage $1 million in federal grant funds.
Earlier this week, Hoeven contacted governors in Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska to coordinate a joint effort on behalf of the beef industry. On Tuesday, he joined a conference call with seven governors or their representatives initiated by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.
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 has invited Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty for a steak dinner at a restaurant of Pawlenty’s choice.
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