SAFE Act of 2023

HR 3748, the SAFE Act of 2023, requires U.S. agricultural agencies to proactively negotiate trade agreements with foreign governments to minimize export disruptions caused by animal disease outbreaks. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the U.S. Trade Representative, to establish regionalization, zoning, or compartmentalization agreements with key export markets for U.S. livestock and animal products. The bill also mandates that the Food Safety and Inspection Service notify state agricultural departments and producer groups within three days if export-related information is removed from official libraries. This directly affects livestock producers and exporters by aiming to stabilize access to international markets during disease events. The law amends the Animal Health Protection Act to formalize these negotiation and notification requirements.