Mexico Submits Offer on Cattle Trade After Commissioner Staples Closes Down Border Crossing to Certain Canadian Cattle

From TSCRA Press Release

Mexico has offered a new trade protocol to the U.S. Department of Agriculture concerning the import of U.S. cattle. The news comes after Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced specific Canadian cattle would not cross into Mexico through Texas export facilities due to unfair trade practices.

"I have now learned that Mexico has submitted an offer to USDA as of the evening of March 6. Although details of this offer have not yet been shared, the fact an offer has been made is proof of progress," Commissioner Staples said. "I want to thank the many people who have stood with me in support of this action. I look forward to learning the details of this new Mexican offer and reviewing its consistency with international standards."

On March 4, Commissioner Staples issued an order to stop specific Canadian cattle from passing through the state's export facilities into Mexico. Canada and Mexico have signed an agreement allowing the trade of certain dairy and beef cattle less than 30 months of age-including breeding stock.

Currently, Mexico only allows the importation of U.S. dairy heifers under the age of 24 months, despite in-depth international negotiations to broaden this to breeding stock.

"Texas livestock and farm organizations and state governments along the U.S./ Mexican border have issued public statements of strong support to my order, proving the strength of unity," Commissioner Staples said. "I reaffirm my original statement, we must set aside political science and make decisions with our trading partners based upon sound science." Read more on the TSCRA Web site.

USDA Rural Development Invites Applications For Renewable Energy Loans and Grants

From USDA Press Release

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced during an international renewable energy conference that USDA will accept $220.9 million in loan and grant applications within USDA's Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program.

"As demand for energy rises, these renewable energy loans and grants help farms and rural small businesses increase their investment in renewable energy initiatives," said Schafer, speaking at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC). "Energy efficiency wisely applies our resources, and energizes wealth-creation opportunities with more jobs throughout rural America." Read more on the USDA Web site.