2003 News Archive
Nov. 10, 2004 - Regaining Beef Export Markets Essential: Reese”
On Tuesday, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman held a news conference to discuss several key issues relating to production agriculture. Monte Reese, Chief Operating Officer for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, reacted with cautious optimism on the USDA’s update on the potential re-opening of key beef export markets that closed as a result of the single U.S. incidence of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in December 2003.
Cut #1 :40 Outcue: "...than they’ve enjoyed up to now."
He noted that Japan’s desire for universal testing of cattle for BSE is not supported by science, and was encouraged that Japan may be moving toward internationally-accepted safety standards.
Cut #2 :30 Outcue: "...decision-making process as well"
Reese said that U.S. beef has been extremely well marketed in Japan, and that Japanese consumers - as well as American producers - want to see the market re-opened.
Cut #3 :38 Outcue: "...good old U.S.A.”
USDA also announced that Taiwan is send a technical team to the U.S. on Nov. 14, for a first-hand look at U.S. beef production and processing. This could be the final step toward re-opening the Taiwanese market. Reese noted the Beef Checkoff Program’s important role in this process.
Cut #4 :30 Outcue: "...market will open up very quickly."
The national Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a group of 108 beef producers nominated by the Secretary of Agriculture. They represent producers from coast-to-coast and volunteer their time to help identify programs that can help increase beef demand. The checkoff was created in the 1985 Farm Bill, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.