Latest news with #NCBA
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
US Halts Cattle, Horse, and Bison Imports From Mexico Over Screwworm Spread
The United States will halt imports of live cattle, horses, and bison across the southern border due to the spread of the New World screwworm in Mexico, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on May 11. In a 'The protection of our animals and safety of our nation's food supply is a national security issue of the utmost importance,' she said. 'This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety.' The USDA stated that it will restrict imports of live animal commodities originating from or transiting Mexico on a month-by-month basis 'until a significant window of containment is achieved.' 'Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade,' Rollins stated. The United States and Mexico Related Stories 4/27/2025 2/19/2025 Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegue 'We don't agree with this measure, but we're confident we'll reach an agreement sooner rather than later,' Berdegue stated on social media platform X. Screwworms are known to infect livestock, wildlife, and, in some rare cases, humans. Screwworm fly maggots burrow into the skin of living animals and can sometimes inflict serious or fatal damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Signs and symptoms of infestations include irritated behavior, head shaking, a decaying odor, and evidence of fly strike, 'NWS [New World screwworm] infestations are very painful,' the CDC states. 'If you have an NWS infestation, you may see maggots (larvae) around or in an open wound.' The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) supported the move to halt livestock imports along the southern border, though it acknowledged the potential economic impact of the measure. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall said in a 'USDA's border closure was entirely avoidable,' Woodall stated. 'U.S. government officials, NCBA and leaders from affiliated state cattle industry associations have been sounding the alarm for months.' Rollins had The U.S. official warned that the USDA would restrict the importation of animal commodities along the border if the issues are not resolved by April 30. 'We are now at a critical inflection point in our shared campaign against this pest, and I am very concerned about our collaboration,' Rollins wrote in a letter to Berdegue on April 26. Rollins said that Mexico had allowed only one of the companies hired to carry out aerial spraying for killing the pest to fly six days a week while also imposing 'burdensome customs duties' on equipment required to keep its planes in the air. Screwworm is endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and South American nations. In recent years, cases have spread to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico, Jacob Burg contributed to this report.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NCBA and African Guarantee Fund (AGF) Strengthen Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Financing with KES 3 Billion Renewal, Prioritizing Women-Led Businesses
NCBA has today renewed its partnership with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) ( to enable the Group provide financial solutions to SMEs, through an enhanced guarantee agreement of KES 3 billion for 10 years. Through the support of AGF's risk-sharing mechanism, NCBA cumulatively disbursed close to KES 17 billion in loans. Out of these credit facilities, AGF has supported 696 SMEs [over 3,500 transactions] amounting to KES 8.0 billion. The outstanding portfolio is worth KES 1.7 billion. The partnership has so far generated 7,200 jobs, of which 2,200 target women, while youth account for 4,100 jobs. Signed by Mr. John Gachora, Group Managing Director of NCBA and Mr. Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of AGF, this enhancement will allow NCBA, on one hand, to further increase its commitment to Kenya's SME segment and on another, to promote the development of projects in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture as well as support women led/owned businesses. During the ceremony, the Group Managing Director at NCBA, Mr John Gachora, said, 'This strategic partnership with AGF is proof of our devotion to SMEs, particularly those spearheading sustainable practices led by women. I believe that by increasing our guaranteed limit, our capacity to offer more flexible and long-term financial solutions that support SME growth will contribute to economic growth.' NCBA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs during a recent International Women's Day dinner in Kapsabet, where the Group hosted its clients. Recognizing the resilience and ambition of women-led businesses, NCBA emphasized its dedication to providing tailored financial solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and offering business education programs. By equipping women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, knowledge, and networks, the Group aims to support their growth and long-term success. In addition to the extension of the credit guarantee facility, AGF will provide a Capacity Development grant to NCBA that will be utilized in enhancing the Group's capacity to lend to more SMEs and particularly to women-led SMEs through creation of a pipeline of credit ready WSMEs. 'Our partnership with NCBA represents a significant step in our mission to support SMEs, who constitute almost 98% of all business in Kenya, and create over 30% of the jobs annually. NCBA has been a valued partner for over 12 years, and this renewal marks a new milestone in our shared mission to unlock financing for SMEs. Our collaboration has already achieved remarkable impact, and by increasing this facility, we can reach even more businesses that are shaping the future of Kenya's economy,' said AGF Group CEO, Jules Ngankam. Furthermore, this partnership corresponds with AGF's goals of promoting women's empowerment through the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program and endorsing green initiatives to stimulate a more sustainable economy, through its Green Guarantee Facility. NCBA actively promotes sustainability through targeted mentorship and skill-building programs for women and youth, fostering diversity and diligence. The Group directs at least 30% of its procurement to women and youth, advancing inclusion. Through a KES6.5 billion partnership with Proparco, NCBA supports green financing and women's economic empowerment, aligning with its 'Change the Story' agenda. Moreover, the institution invests KES150 million yearly in community development, education and sports. Its environmental efforts, such as tree planting and plastic reduction, further contribute to sustainable livelihoods. NCBA encourages SMEs seeking flexible financial solutions to partner with the Group to unlock credit facilities and other services to grow their businesses. The partnership will benefit these businesses as they will have access to a range of solutions, including finance, currency exchange, cash management systems, online banking, and other services. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Guarantee Fund. For media enquiries, please contact: Nelly Wainaina Group Director- Marketing, Communication and Citizenship NCBA Tel: +254 711 056 444 Lynnet Ongeri Communications Assistant Officer African Guarantee Fund Tel: +254 785 341 095 About NCBA Group: NCBA is a full-service financial services group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates a network of over 100 branches in five countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers. NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is among the top leading banks by assets. The Group continues to play a key role in supporting Africa's economic ambitions. The Group is a Market Leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance and Digital Banking. About African Guarantee Fund: African Guarantee Fund is a specialized guarantee provider whose mission is to facilitate economic development and poverty reduction in Africa. To achieve this, AGF increases access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across key economic sectors through an array of guarantee products and capacity development assistance. Since inception, AGF has unlocked more than USD 5 billion in SME financing, through partnerships with 250 partner financial institutions across 44 African countries. AGF is backed by the following shareholders and sponsors: The Government of Denmark through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), the Government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID), the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (AFD), Nordic Development Fund (NDF), Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), German Development Bank (KfW), French Agency for Private Sector (PROPARCO), West African Development Bank (BOAD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), USAID's West Africa Trade&Investment Hub (WATIH), TechnoServe and NORAD. African Guarantee Fund is rated AA- by Fitch Ratings.
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
US beef industry urges Trump to push Korea to lift import ban on beef from older cattle
A US livestock industry group has denounced South Korea's ban on importing US beef from cattle older than 30 months, labeling it an "unfair trade practice" and urging President Donald Trump's administration to push for its removal. On Wednesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative submitted an opinion letter addressing unfair trade practices by US trading partners, drafted by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. In the letter's section on Korea, the NCBA acknowledged that the "30-month age-based restriction" on US beef is a "sensitive issue" but emphasized that it "should not be ignored." The NCBA insisted that the US upholds the world's strictest standards and safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as 'mad cow disease.' It pointed out that countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan have already removed similar restrictions and argued that Korea should follow suit. The association urged the US government to engage in discussions with Korea to eliminate the age limit and strengthen trade relations based on scientific principles, emphasizing its support for a level playing field across the US cattle and beef industry. "Since 2021, Korea has been the largest importer of US beef for four consecutive years," an official from a trade organization said on condition of anonymity. "In this context, it is unclear how much weight the US government will place on the letter. However, since US trade demands can be multifaceted, our government needs to approach negotiations in a way that considers not just one sector but the overall national interest," the official added. Korea's restriction on beef from cattle older than 30 months stems from BSE concerns and was established in 2008 following extensive negotiations between the two countries. Under the agreement, Korea resumed US beef imports, and imports have since surged, making the country the largest importer of US beef for years. The USTR's National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, published last year, noted that the 30-month restriction was originally intended as a "transitional measure" but has remained in effect for 16 years. The report also highlighted that certain processed meat products, such as ground beef patties, jerky and sausages, are still banned from import. Under Trump's directive, the USTR is set to submit a report by April 1 on unfair trade practices by US trading partners, along with recommendations for corrective measures that will guide the president's response.
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
US group calls on Trump govt. to seek removal of S. Korea's 30-month age restriction on US beef
The US nationwide cattlemen's group asked the Trump administration Tuesday to help lift South Korea's import ban on American beef from cattle aged 30 months or older, noting that similar curbs have been lifted in China, Japan and Taiwan. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association sent its comments to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as the USTR has requested those comments to "assist in reviewing and identifying unfair trade practices, and initiating all necessary actions to investigate harm from non-reciprocal arrangements." The age restriction on US beef was put in place in 2008 amid fears over mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy. "The United States has some of the most rigorous standards and highest safeguards concerning bovine spongiform encephalopathy," the NCBA said. "And we should pursue consultations with Korea to discuss removing the age restriction and strengthening science-based trade between our countries." It pointed to the growth in US beef sales in South Korea as evidence that consumer confidence has improved significantly since 2008. "We recognize the 30-month age-based restriction on US beef is a sensitive issue in Korea, but it is an issue that should not be ignored. Similar 30-month restrictions have been lifted in China, Japan and Taiwan because they recognize the safety and quality of US beef," it said. The Trump administration has been studying countries' trade practices and other issues as it plans to roll out country-by-country "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2, which are to be pegged to trading partners' duties, non-tariff barriers and exchange rate policies in pursuit of "reciprocity."
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Colorado rancher elected policy division vice chair of National Cattlemen's Beef Association
DENVER (KDVR) — A Colorado cattle rancher received some exciting news at the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. Kenny Rogers was elected to be the new policy division vice chair of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the association announced in a press release on Thursday. Developed in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association has helped cattle producers through advocacy, research and promotion. It is the oldest and largest national organization that represents cattle farmers and ranchers. 'It is an honor to be elected NCBA's policy division vice chair,' said Rogers. 'My family has been in the cattle industry for more than 70 years and I am thrilled to join the leadership of this association to advocate for ranching families and protect this way of life.' Double income, no kids? Colorado ranks high in US for lifestyle, study shows Rogers has previously held many leadership positions in organizations around Colorado including: President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association President of the Colorado Livestock Association President of the Yuma County Cattlemen's Association Advisor of the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Member of the livestock task force for the National Western Stock Show President of the Yuma County Fair Board President of the Colorado Weed Management Association He currently serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust and as a trustee for the National Western Stock Show. In a non-agricultural role, he is an elder at his church. In his position at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Rogers will be part of the officer team and help lead the association's advocacy activities for the next year, according to the association. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
