Kevin Cramer : Cramer Applauds Colombian Decision to Remove Barriers to U.S.- Raised Beef

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer today applauded Colombia's decision to allow beef imports from all federally inspected United States facilities. Currently it only allows imports of beef from U.S. businesses participating in a specific U.S. Department of Agriculture verification program.

'Beef raised in North Dakota and the United States is the safest in the world,' said Cramer. 'This agreement, based on sound science, makes it easier for our cattle producers to meet Colombia's demand for high quality beef.'

Colombia is a growing market for beef raised in the United States, exporting $14.4 million in 2014. This is a 260 percent increase 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,' said Julie Ellingson, Executive Vice President of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association. '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.'

Recently Cramer joined House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes and some key House members for a meeting with Juan Carlos Pinzón, the Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, to discuss security and trade issues at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.