GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany broke with Donald Trump over the president’s plans to import 300,000 metric tons of ground beef and then sell it below market price.

But he didn’t take any issue with the tariffs Trump has slapped on Canadian products, which prompted Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on hundreds of American products. Dem rival David Crowley, meanwhile, accused Trump and Tiffany of doubling “down on increasing costs all across the state and across this country.”

During a stop in Hales Corners yesterday, Tiffany told reporters: “I stand with Wisconsin farmers” when asked about the president’s plans to import ground beef over the next 90 days. In exchange for easing tariffs, the exporters will provide a 25% discount on beef, according to the deal Trump announced.

Tiffany said a core issue is the beef packing industry is dominated by four producers, leaving insufficient capacity for ranchers. He vowed if elected to start a young farmer program.

“We shouldn’t penalize our farmers here in Wisconsin by having beef that comes in from other countries,” Tiffany said. “We need to grow our capacity, both here in Wisconsin as well as nationally.”

WEDC Secretary and CEO John Miller told CBS 58 that Wisconsin exports to Canada fell 8.6% last year to the lowest level since 2020. He blamed Trump’s trade policy toward Canada.

Asked about the comments, Tiffany pushed back, asking if Miller noted the 300% tariff that Canada imposes on butter from Wisconsin and other states.

That maximum butter tariff of 298.5% is only levied if U.S. dairy exports exceed a predetermined quota.

“We do a lot of trade with Canada, and it’s an important relationship,” Tiffany said. “But we also have to make sure that Canada does not take advantage of us here in Wisconsin and across America, and that’s what’s happened with the so-called free trade over the last three decades.”

Crowley accused Tiffany of being “hand in fist” with Trump in imposing tariffs on Canada.

Outside the Joyce & Marshall Erdman Clinic in Madison, the Milwaukee County executive said Wisconsin needs a governor “who’s going to stand up” and “push back” against the president’s tariff acts.

“This is hurting many of our farmers, many of our manufacturing companies here in Wisconsin, as well as working families,” Crowley said. “I want to make sure that we’re working directly with our agricultural communities, and to make sure that they have the ability to stay in business, provide the produce that so many people rely on, whether we’re talking the manufacturing, our agricultural beef, you name it.”

Crowley said Tiffany “voted 100 percent of the time” with the president and has “not done anything to stand up for working with Wisconsin families.”

“Unfortunately, this president and my opponent … continue to double down on increasing costs all across the state and across this country, and right now, that’s not what voters want.”

Crowley said his administration would have a “backbone” and would work directly with Wisconsin businesses, farmers and rural communities.

“If we want to focus on building our economy, we have to work directly with those who are involved,” Crowley said.