08.18.17

Hoeven: Argentine Market Open to U.S. Pork

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the administration successfully negotiated access to the Argentine market for exports of U.S. pork:

“Exports contribute significant value to animals raised in the U.S., and increasing access to new markets is important for our agriculture producers,” Hoeven said. “Our nation has robust animal health and safety practices in place, and today’s agreement reflects that. I welcome the new export opportunity for our pork producers and will continue my efforts to open even more markets to high-quality American commodities.”

The restrictions in Argentina, which had been in place since 1992, were based on questionable animal health concerns. The new agreement allows all fresh, chilled and frozen pork and pork products from U.S. animals to be eligible for export to Argentina. Hoeven continues working to expand access to foreign markets and ensure fair treatment for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. Among other things, his efforts include:

  • Serving as a member of the Senate-House Conference Committee that crafted the final farm bill of 2014, which directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create an undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs. USDA recently announced plans to create the position to help grow foreign markets for U.S. agriculture.
  • Pressing the Administration to reach an agreement with China to open the country to U.S. beef imports. The Commerce Department recently announced it had reached an agreement to export U.S. beef to China.
  • Urging Agriculture Secretary Perdue and Commerce Secretary Ross to reach a sugar agreement with Mexico that is fair to American farmers and ensure its strict enforcement.
  • Backing the U.S. Trade Representative in bringing a compliance case against China in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under its WTO obligations, China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion worth of additional U.S. wheat, corn and rice in 2015 alone.
  • Ensuring domestic honey producers receive all of the proceeds collected from settlements. 

-###-