Cattlemen Support Appropriations

June 28, 2001

National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Lynn Cornwell has urged Congress to support the fiscal year 2002 agriculture appropriations bill that the cattlemen believe will benefit beef industry programs. The bill includes funding for programs such as food safety and inspection, animal health, agriculture research and extension, conservation and rural development.

The bill also appropriates $40 million to the Agriculture Research Service to consolidate and modernize a major facility and allots a $25 million increase to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. "The funds made available in this bill help maintain and protect the health of our livestock," Cornwell said. "The animal health crisis this year in Europe highlights the importance of a science-based animal health infrastructure and the role it plays in protecting animal health and consumer confidence."

He continued, "A strong infrastructure instills confidence in our customers and helps maintain the health of our domestic herds," said Cornwell, a rancher from Glasgow, MT. "The funding in this bill will go a long way in maintaining U.S. leadership on animal health and food safety issues and help improve the business and marketing climate for beef producers."