06/19/06 NCBA out of patience with Japan on beef

American Rancher June 19, 2006 The National Cattlemen's Beef Association Executive Committee voted last week to support immediate agricultural and non-agricultural sanctions against Japan for repeated delays in the resumption of beef trade. NCBA President Mike John of Missouri says cattlemen have simply run out of patience. John: "We have tried the diplomatic route. We have been very cognizant of the fact that trade negotiations that work to the benefit of both parties are obviously the best solution in any kind of trade relationship. But we feel that for nine or ten years now we have gone above and beyond the call on assuring the safety of our product and well beyond O.I.E. expectations on the amount of testing and firewalls in place. So from a science basis there is absolutely no reason to keep beef out of that market." John says NCBA's action is not only meant to send a message to Japan, but to U.S. officials. John: "Well I think out side needs to know where the industry stands. I think they need to know the level of our outrage at this point. This is an effort to let them absolutely know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are through playing Mr. nice guy as an industry and it is time to elevate this." The U.S. Trade Representative met with Japan's Ag Minister last week and urged an early resumption of beef trade but the Minister continues to insist Japan must work through its process step by step. I'm Bob Hoff.