PHOENIX, AZ – Mark Killian, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) recently announced streamlined procedures for cattle producers transporting cattle across the international border with Mexico. The newly implemented procedures offer Arizona cattle producers increased efficiency and oversight measures, which directly support Arizona’s agribusiness industry and international trade.

“It is our mission to support and promote agriculture and we recognized that this process posed significant issues to the cattle industry in Arizona,” said Killian. “We are pleased to have partnered with our counterparts in Mexico and the USDA to resolve the cross-border delays and to more quickly facilitate commerce and promote trade with Sonora, Mexico, a primary focus for Governor Ducey.”

Arizona is the only border state that does not have a USDA Veterinary Services (VS) District Office. This specific office is needed for authorization of international transport documents. AZDA State Veterinarian Dr. Peter Mundschenk collaborated with his counterparts in Mexico and the USDA to identify the root causes of the delays in moving animals, and designed a short-term solution for cattle to cross the international border faster and more efficiently. This process improvement supports Arizona’s cattle industry and international commerce between Arizona and Mexico.

"These kinds of collaborative solutions are what continue to strengthen cross-border business ties between Arizona and Mexico," said Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs to Governor Doug Ducey. "This efficiency is in line with Governor Ducey’s entrepreneurial approach and will enhance international commerce, while maintaining existing jobs in Arizona and Sonora.”

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently agreed to provide endorsement services by their port personnel for the export of cattle from Arizona to Sonora. Under the new regulations, APHIS requires producers to schedule their transport at least 48 hours in advance at the port in Nogales, Arizona. The increased efficiencies, which support the needs of Arizona’s cattle producers, while reducing the stress on cattle were lauded by Arizona’s industry leaders.

“We want to thank the AZDA and the USDA for their continuous efforts and attention to increasing efficiencies for our industry,” said Jay Whetten, President of the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association. “Arizona cattle ranchers appreciate that this roadblock to commerce and businesses has been lifted.”

The AZDA and the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) Agribusiness & Wildlife Committee will continue conversations regarding agribusiness efficiencies, with their counterparts in Mexico, at the 2018 AMC Summit in Tucson, Arizona June 14-15.   back...