Western South Dakota News

A group of U.S. Senators and Representatives have reintroduced the Safeguarding American Food and Export Trade Yields (SAFETY) Act. This legislation aims to defend American food products from foreign trade practices considered unfair.

Senator John Thune highlighted the need for common food and beverage names to remain accessible to American producers. “For decades, global competitors have tried to limit competition, block imports, and restrict American-made products from being able to use common food and beverage names by exploiting valid geographical indication protections,” said Thune. He emphasized the importance of ensuring access to foreign markets, particularly for South Dakota producers.

Senator Tammy Baldwin noted the economic impact on Wisconsin's agricultural and food sectors. “When foreign countries penalize our producers for using common names like ‘parmesan’ or ‘cheddar,’ their unfair trade practices hurt Made in Wisconsin businesses, our economy, and our workers,” said Baldwin. She stressed the necessity of preserving market access for these producers.

Representative Dusty Johnson addressed the actions of the European Union regarding food names. “The European Union’s actions to prohibit the use of common food names for U.S. producers is confusing for consumers and costly to producers and manufacturers,” said Johnson. He described the SAFETY Act as essential for maintaining global market access.

Marv Post of the South Dakota Dairy Producers spoke on behalf of dairy farmers facing "unfair trade practices." Post stressed the necessity of fair treatment for U.S. dairy in international markets. Gregg Doud of the National Milk Producers Federation echoed these concerns, stating that the SAFETY Act is "an important milestone."

Krysta Harden from the U.S. Dairy Export Council called for a "more proactive approach" from the U.S. government. Jaime Castaneda of the Consortium for Common Food Names emphasized the historical use of common names by American and international producers alike.

The bill proposes amendments to the Agriculture Trade Act of 1978, defining common names for agricultural commodities and directing U.S. government officials to defend these rights in international negotiations. Besides Thune, Baldwin, and Johnson, the bill's co-sponsors include Senators Roger Marshall and Tina Smith, and Representatives Jim Costa, Michelle Fischbach, and Jimmy Panetta.