Services Agreement Between National Meat Institute (Instituto Nacional de Carnes) (INAC)

and The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

for Assistance in the Verification of Natural Beef Marketing Claims

for the  Uruguayan Certified Natural Meat Program

Preamble

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), administers a fee-for-service program that certifies and verifies live animal and carcass characteristics, including live animal claims and product certification, for several nationwide programs.  As a part of this program, AMS has developed guidelines for the accreditation of entities that would perform similar activities in other countries for beef destined for U.S. markets.

The National Meat Institute (INAC) of Uruguay is a public, non-state institute created to propose, advise, and execute the National Meat Policy, as determined by the Government of Uruguay through the Ministry of Agriculture.  INAC is directed and administered by a six-member board comprised of representatives from producers and packers appointed by the President of the Republic.  INAC currently conducts certification for cattle and beef products intended for export to the United States labeled as “Certified Natural Beef.”  As part of this program, INAC agrees to allow AMS to verify certification activities as they pertain to the marketing claims using an audit-based program based on the ISO 9000 quality standard.

The adoption of AMS accreditation guidelines, along with AMS approval and monitoring of the INAC program pursuant to this fee-for-service agreement, will help ensure accurate labeling of meat products exported to the United States.  Such an arrangement would continue to facilitate trade between the two nations and enhance industry competitiveness.

Officials of INAC and AMS have reviewed the proposed program and procedures for the certification of certain (live animal) beef characteristics and determined that it would be mutually beneficial for the two parties to participate in this program.  AMS is authorized to participate in this program pursuant to Section 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.  It is the view of the participants that the objectives and activities of the certification program may be accomplished without regulatory change.

USDA’s Responsibilities

USDA will:

• Provide the standards of system documentation and performance required  under the Quality System Verification Program, on a requested basis.

•  Provide onsite assessment and review of all program activities, on a cost-recovery basis.

• Provide INAC with clear statements detailing the costs of providing services associated with this program.

• Monitor Uruguay product certified under this program in the U.S. marketplace for program compliance in accord with Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

INAC’s Responsibilities

INAC will:

• Ensure that the program is maintained and operated under the approved guidelines and program descriptions. 

• Enter into approval, monitoring, and cost-recovery agreements with those entities seeking accreditation under this program.

• Ensure the integrity of the program through a compliance program that corrects nonconformances as soon as they are discovered and known.

• Provide the necessary qualified personnel to perform the required monitoring functions.

• Ensure and allow, at least annually, AMS representatives unrestricted access to information necessary to demonstrate program compliance.

• Provide language translation and interpretation assistance.

• Provide prompt payment for AMS auditing services upon receipt of cost-recovery statements.

Effective date/Termination Date

This Services Agreement will become effective on the date of signature of both parties.  This Services Agreement will remain in effect until terminated by a 90-day written notice by either party.

Nothing in this Services Agreement is intended to prejudice or modify any existing agreement between the parties or between their respective governments.

Mr. Barry L. Carpenter, Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Roberto Vazquez Platero, President, National Meat Institute, (Instituto Nacional de Carnes).

Dr. Kenneth C. Clayton, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,  

United States of America.

Dr. Recaredo Ugarte, Director, Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Uruguay.

Date: August 26, 2004

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