News Releases for February 2005
February 09, 2005
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven: USDA To Delay Full Canadian Border Opening For Beef
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today released the following statement in response to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns’ announcement that the agency would delay full border opening to Canadian cattle and beef, originally scheduled for March 7, 2005:
“I have asked Secretary Johanns, both in person when I was in Washington and by phone, to take a cautious and reasoned approach to opening the border to Canadian beef and cattle. We appreciate Secretary Johanns’ announcement today that the department will delay the opening of the border to beef products from animals 30 months or older. It is a recognition of the serious consideration necessary before bringing cattle from a country that has already been the confirmed country of origin of four BSE afflicted animals.
“I made the case to Secretary Johanns that we have had two recent cases of BSE in Canada, and that we need to make sure we have the proper science and precautionary measures in place before reopening the border. I made the same case to President Bush while traveling with him on Air Force One to Fargo last week. We continue to urge a prudent, go-slow policy regarding any consideration of resuming importation of Canadian beef products.
“Additionally, Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple is currently in Washington to meet with USDA officials both to urge additional caution in Canadian beef imports and to expedite effective and appropriate disaster assistance help farmers and ranchers.”
E-mail comments to the Governor
