RFA Ethanol Podcast

Japanese Border Open To U. S. Beef

Chuck Zimmerman

USDAYou’ll be hearing a lot about this today and over the next couple days so I thought I’d give you a heads up. The Japanese border is open to U. S. beef. That’s big news for our cattle producers.

It was just announced this morning and you can hear it directly from U. S. Secretary of Ag Mike Johanns. There was a press conference early this morning. I’m sure more will be held soon by groups like NCBA and others.

Johanns also said “”Japan’s action today provides sets an excellent example for other countries in Asia whose markets remain closed. Now is the time for Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and others to open their markets to U.S. beef. I urge all countries to take a science-based approach and adopt OIE standards for allowing beef trade.”

Post Update: Here’s a comment from NCBA which will be holding a joint press conference with the U.S. Meat Export Federation in a little while: ““While the process has been lengthy, we are pleased to be on the road to regaining this valuable market for U.S. producers,” says Jamie Willrett, Illinois cattle producer and chairman of NCBA’s International Markets committee. “Our cattlemen produce great-tasting, safe beef, and we are eager to give Japanese consumers a chance to enjoy it once again. We’re confident consumers and the Japanese government will find it goes above and beyond their expectations.”

Audio, Beef, USDA