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News Update June 3, 2005 Border Battle Continues, Dates Set The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has announced it will hear the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) appeal to overturn a preliminary injunction blocking Canadian live cattle imports. According to the Billings Gazette, the Court will begin hearing oral arguments July 13 in Seattle, Wash., in the case spurred by Judge Richard Cebull’s March 2 decision to grant a Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) request to keep the border closed until a trial could take place. Final hearings in that trial are scheduled for July 27 in Montana. The Court has also announced it will hear the National Meat Association’s (NMA’s) argument to intervene in the case, the publication reported. In related news, the Cattlemen’s Competitive Market Project (CCMP) staked its interests in the case yesterday, filing an amicus brief in support of R-CALF, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reported. Co-signers of the brief include the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Public Citizen. Initial legal action regarding R-CALF USA v. USDA began earlier this year when USDA announced its plans to consider Canada a minimal-risk region and begin easing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-related restrictions on imports from the country beginning March 7, a plan that now hinges on the pending trial. Lebanon Resumes Imports Lebanon has resumed imports of U.S. beef and beef products from animals less than 30 months of age, USDA announced yesterday. In 2003, the U.S. exported $643,000 worth of beef and beef products to the country — the third in the Middle East to reopen its market. USDA Extends Comment Period to July 6 The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended its comment period on a notice regarding the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Drafted documents include projected timelines and avenues to achieve milestones, according to APHIS. For example, the documents propose requiring stakeholders to identify premises and animals according to NAIS standards by January 2008. Full recording of defined animal movements is proposed by January 2009. APHIS Administrator Ron DeHaven stated in an APHIS release that the agency is extending the time frame to ensure that all interested parties have time to prepare and submit information to be evaluated. Consideration will be given to comments received on or before July 6. Send an original and three copies of postal or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. 05-015-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Rd., Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238, or submit comments online at www.usda.gov/nais. For more information visit www.aphis.usda.gov. Australia Bans U.S., Canadian Pork An Australian judge has banned pork imports from the U.S., Canada and Denmark due to risks associated with post weaning multi-systemic wasting disease, according to the American Meat Institute (AMI). In what is becoming a strikingly familiar scenario, a risk analysis conducted by Australia’s Agriculture Ministry showed the introduction of the disease through pork imports was minimal. However, Australia Pork Ltd., arguing that the risk analysis conducted by the government agency was flawed, filed a lawsuit against the Agriculture Ministry. According to AMI, the Australian government has not determined whether it will file an appeal. It remains uncertain what consequences this will have on pork products currently in the pipeline to Australia. New Food Pyramid Proved Popular The new online food system, MyPyramid.gov, has achieved 500 million hits, USDA announced yesterday. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns expressed his pleasure with the site’s growing popularity. Johanns reported that the average visitor spends 20-30 minutes viewing the food guidance system. USDA replaced the former Food Guide Pyramid with the new food guidance system April 19. To learn more or to view individualized dietary recommendations, visit www.MyPyramid.gov. Golf Tournament Nears Remember, the Angus Foundation is hosting its annual Golf Tournament in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 19 in Denver, Colo. If you would like to play in the tournament or be a tournament sponsor, please let us know by filling out the sign-up form available on the Angus Foundation Web site, www.angusfoundation.org, or by contacting Callie Meinhardt, Angus Foundation assistant, at (816) 383-5132. — by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc. assistant editor |
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