National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Statement Regarding U.S. Beef Trade with Japan

October 23, 2004

“Today, the Bush administration announced Japan and the United States have agreed on principles that will result in the resumption of U.S. beef exports to Japan.

“This is welcome news for U.S cattlemen and for the U.S. economy.  It is an important first step toward regaining full access to the largest export market for U.S. beef, and it serves as a gateway for worldwide resumption of U.S. beef exports. 

“Immediately following the December 23 announcement of the BSE case in the United States, NCBA formally requested the Bush administration establish as the nation’s top trade priority the re-opening of U.S. beef export markets.

"We applaud President Bush and his administration for their efforts in re-opening this market.  Again, this is a first step, but NCBA's goal remains the same: to return to the way we traded with Japan prior to December 23, 2003."
 

Jan Lyons, NCBA President and beef producer from Manhattan, Kansas

“In 2003, exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Japan were worth about $1.4 billion to America's beef industry.  In terms of cattle prices, the Japanese export market represents $60 per head on fed cattle and $12 per hundred-weight for our cattlemen who raise calves.

“Traditionally, one-third of our beef exports have gone to Japan.  Moreover, much of what we consume domestically is different from what we export to Japan.  The types of beef products we export to Japan command a much higher price than what they can be sold for in the United States.

“Cattlemen must remember, however, that today's news doesn't mean the United States will instantly regain the same market share in Japan that we had December 22, 2003.  We have a lot of work to do to regain our position as the leader in this market.”

Gregg Doud, Chief Economist, NCBA

“NCBA will continue to work toward full normalization of trade with Japan because
all U.S. beef is safe from BSE.  We say this with confidence because the USDA mandates removal from the food supply any material that would most likely carry the disease.  Scientists around the globe, including members of the Japanese Food Safety Commission and the U.S. International Review Team, agree that removal of specified risk material (SRM) is the most effective way to protect public health.  

“The United States has had multiple firewalls in place for more than 15 years to prevent BSE from becoming an issue in the United States. 

“In 1990, the United States was the first country in the world to begin a surveillance program for BSE without having a case within our borders.  Today, the USDA is implementing an expanded testing program and has tested more than 92,000 cattle since June 1 with no cases of BSE identified.

“Other firewalls include the 1997 FDA Feed Ban, which banned feeding cattle the type of animal-derived protein supplement that can spread BSE, and the SRM ban, which ultimately protects public health.

“We fully expect to regain complete access to the Japanese market because of these proactive steps and the steps we continue to take to ensure our beef and cattle remain safe from BSE.  This is our livelihood, and we understand that safety is the first order of business."

Terry Stokes, Chief Executive Officer, NCBA

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