Duvall Comments on Meeting with President

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on his meeting with President Trump and the executive orders signed today, which address several issues impacting America’s ranchers.

“I had the important opportunity today to speak with President Trump after the Oval Office event to let him know that the plan to increase beef imports is hurting farm families. I shared with him that we have witnessed significant price drops for cattle across the country. It has caused a setback to rebuilding the U.S. herd. We’ll continue to urge the administration to reverse the decision to increase imports before cattle prices fall further.

“America’s beef producers were the focus of today’s meeting at the White House. Among the topics covered under the executive orders is a call for an interagency review of mandatory country of origin labeling for beef. Farm Bureau policy supports voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) that conforms with COOL parameters and meets World Trade Organization requirements.

“We appreciate the president’s support for small processors by exploring new opportunities and expanded inspection access. Creating competition benefits both ranchers and consumers.

“The executive order also recognizes advances made in the recovery of Mexican and gray wolves in the United States. Farmers and ranchers share a commitment to healthy wildlife populations, and we support updated status reviews. The ESA is designed to help protect and recover species, and when populations recover, we should celebrate those successes and give oversight to the states for continued responsible management.”