01/25/05 Johanns on Japan and beef

Farm and Ranch January 25, 2005 Let there be no doubt about how important new Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns views the significance of reopening the Japanese market to U.S. beef. Johanns: "Let me say as emphatically as I can, I intend to do everything I can to reopen trade. It is a very important relationship that we have. We are going to do everything we can to reopen trade on beef. I just want emphasize this is my top priority. I am going to do everything I can to move this agenda along." That was Johanns during a teleconference yesterday at which he also said he sees us cementing the deal with Japan, because over the past year the U.S. has answered the scientific and technical questions. Additionally; Johanns: "Well I have one of the best envoys in all the world. I believe the best envoy in all the world supporting me and that is the president of the United States. Back on September 21 of last year he met with the Prime Minister and he talked extensively on this issue. With that kind of support I really do think we have an opportunity to move the agenda." Johanns also noted he has visited Japan before and has a personal working relationship with the Japanese. I'm Bob Hoff.