Sioux City Times

U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra and Jimmy Panetta, along with Senators Roger Wicker, Katie Britt, Tina Smith, and Chris Coons, have introduced the Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act. This legislation aims to formalize the role of the USDA in negotiating regionalization agreements during an animal disease outbreak. The agreements would allow for the continued export of agricultural products from unaffected regions in the U.S.

The bill also seeks to set up a notification system within the Import and Export Library. This system would alert the necessary parties to any changes in import or export status of agricultural commodities.

"Iowa farmers are the backbone of our economy and the breadbasket of our country and the world. However, an animal disease outbreak can be devastating for our producers, majorly disrupt trade with foreign countries, and close important export markets that our farmers depend on," stated Rep. Feenstra. He highlighted the importance of the bill in maintaining Iowa’s export capabilities in the event of such outbreaks.

Senator Wicker emphasized the need for such legislation, referencing past issues faced by Mississippi’s poultry exporters due to bird flu. He stressed that the bill would help protect American agriculture exports by allowing the USDA to negotiate necessary agreements.

Rep. Panetta added, "Outbreaks of animal disease, even when limited to a specific region, can upend access to global markets for producers across the country." He supports the bill's goal of reducing trade disruptions.

Support also comes from stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Chad Gregory of United Egg Producers noted the proactive measures the bill promotes. Kevin Stiles, of the North Central Poultry Association, highlighted the importance of the bill for protecting Iowa’s poultry industry.

Gretta Irwin from the Iowa Turkey Federation underscored the proposal’s role in easing financial strain during disease disruptions. Ted McKinney of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture praised the collaborative effort it promotes between state and federal entities.

Leslee Oden of the National Turkey Federation and Kent Swisher of the North American Renderers Association both showed strong support, while Constance Cullman of the American Feed Industry Association expressed appreciation for legislative efforts to secure export markets.

The bill is now awaiting congressional action.