Schweitzer: Removal of tariffs on Brazilian beef further undercuts American Ranchers

President Trump’s move to remove tariffs on Brazilian beef and other goods that were previously subject to a 40% levy Trump announced in July further undermines American ranchers, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said.

“We are already at an all time high for beef imports. Supply isn’t the problem,” Schweitzer said. “The problem is the Big 4 packers price gouging consumers with cheap beef from countries like Brazil – and then misleading consumers through a loophole in labeling law to make them believe they are buying American born, raised, and processed beef.”

Enforcing antitrust laws in tandem with reinstating mandatory country of origin labeling would create fair markets for ranchers and truthful labels for consumers, while driving down prices of imported beef to accurately reflect its quality in comparison to US-raised beef, Schweitzer said.

“It is high time we give consumers the true choice to buy American beef and give American ranchers the certainty they need to rebuild their domestic herds,” Schweitzer said.

Learn more about country of origin labeling here: https://montanafarmersunion.com/legislation/support-cool/.