03/16/05 Delegation pushing Japan on beef imports

Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig have joined other members of Congress to press Japan for the resumption of beef trade with the US. Japan halted US beef imports after a BSE case in Washington State in late 2003. Last October Japan and the US reached agreement to resume the beef trade but Crapo says it still hasn't happened. CRAPO "And so I believe that you are going to see increased efforts in the United States like these meetings with the ambassador. Legislation is already proposed in the House so start utilizing sanctions and other efforts to try and open the borders." While hinting that they'll support sanctions Crapo and Craig both agree that the one billion-dollar Japan market is tied directly to the US-Canadian situation. CRAIG "If we're going to reopen the Canadian border it is extremely important that we reopen out trade with Japan to offset the difference in the flow of cattle and/or meat products coming into our country and therefore adjusting prices.' Before reopening its border to trade Crapo says the US needs assurances that Canada has done all that it can to prevent BSE cases. CRAPO "I don't believe that the majority of the members of Congress have been convinced that those questions have been answered." Right now all we have is a promise from Japan to resume beef trade but no specific date. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott