After previously limiting beef imports from America, Colombia recently said it will expand those imports to include beef processed at any federally inspected U.S. facilities.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) is happy about the recent decision, which will allow Colombia to receive North Dakota beef.
“Beef raised in North Dakota and the United States is the safest in the world,” Cramer said. “This agreement, based on sound science, makes it easier for our cattle producers to meet Colombia’s demand for high-quality beef.”
The United States exported $14.4 million in beef to Colombia in 2014, which is up 260 percent from 2011.
“We are very excited about this agreement as it will remove a close to 80 percent Colombian tariff on the import of U.S. beef,” Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, said. "This announcement also speaks volumes about the stringent procedures in place throughout the production chain, which ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply and gives consumers here and abroad confidence in our beef.”
Colombia previously limited U.S. beef imports to producers who participated in a specific U.S. Department of Agriculture verification program.
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