AUSTIN – 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 earlier this week 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 last night.  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.”

Texas leads the nation in the number of cattle and calves and Commissioner Staples is committed to making sure political maneuvering does not hurt this critical industry.

“I want to thank Under Secretary Knight and his professional staff at U.S.D.A for their quick action in this matter. I believe by working together both the United States and Mexico can solve this issue and improve trade between our two nations,” Commissioner Staples said.