KIM, Colo. — Dear Governor Polis,
As Colorado’s largest producer-lead cattle association, we were deeply discouraged by your recent comments in regards to the “Impossible Burger” and the alternative protein trend. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association was formed in 2005 by family cattle producers as a response to the ongoing loss of family owned cattle operations. As we are sure you know, beef production in Colorado accounts for 65% of the agriculture economy, and beef is the largest export in the state. The alternative protein movement is a direct threat to our industry and the family cattle producer. Having the leader of Colorado promote this movement is considered a direct attack on the livelihood of every cattle producer in the state.
While we understand your intension of keeping Colorado on the forefront of new consumer trends, this particular trend contradicts many values Colorado stands for. Aside from being a beef-producing state, Colorado also takes pride in its health and fitness. The alternative protein you are suggesting our state support contains 21+ ingredients, many of which are hardly pronounceable. Most Coloradoans feed their dogs healthier food than that! While the nation is trending towards simpler, more natural foods, supporting alternative proteins seems like an odd choice for one of the nations healthiest states.
Also, contrary to what is believed by the general, un-educated population, the cattle industry has a very positive impact on the environment. Cattle can turn a wide variety of low-quality forage into protein in the wide variety of Colorado climates, including areas of the state impossible to farm. This reduces fuel loads, thus reducing the occurrence and intensity of wildfires. Cattle grazing also benefits Colorado wildlife through developing new water sources, stimulating new plant growth, and improving the soil structure. This improved soil structure helps hold carbon in the soil rather than releasing it. Cattle is the only food production enterprise that does this.
Governor Polis, through your comments in regards to alternative protein, you have turned your back on the cattle industry at a particularly unfavorable time. 2018 was the lowest year on record for the producer’s percentage of the retail beef dollar, while the four major beef packers had record profits. 2019 is trending to be even worse for producers. That gap in profit has become so large the USDA has initiated an investigation in to the packers’ business practices. Additionally, Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef has been discarded, allowing packers to label imported beef as Product of USA. During such a volatile time for such an important industry to the state, we urge you to support family owned beef producers across Colorado rather than corporate interests that drain equity from rural Colorado and rural America. Without doing so, there will be an unavoidable breakdown of rural Colorado and Colorado agriculture.
Sincerely,
Curt Werner
Vice President of Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association
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