After supposedly lifting its ban on U.S. beef, South Korea has now rejected the first three shipments due to the presence of very small bone fragments, which even Korean officials admit pose no health hazard. NCBA president Mike John of Huntsville, Missouri, says this impasse clearly has nothing to do with food safety or BSE, and that Korea is simply using any excuse to keep a superior product out of reach if its consumers.

Cut #1 :18  Outcue: "...protect their industry."

He said that while South Korea may think it is shielding its own beef producers from competition, the ban on U.S. beef is actually having the opposite effect. Without access to high-quality U.S. beef, Korean consumers are actually turning to other proteins rather than domestic Korean beef.

Cut #2 :23  Outcue: "...did something about it."

John said NCBA insists on fair treatment of U.S. beef before the United States goes any further in free trade agreement negotiations with South Korea. Strong support for this position has been found on Capitol Hill, and has been a major theme in recent discussions with South Korea, which were held in Montana and hosted by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT).

Cut #3 :24  Outcue: "...from that at all."

But John cautioned that the cattle industry must continue to apply pressure at all levels of government, including the Bush Administration and both houses of Congress.

Cut #4 :17  Outcue: "...on this issue."