American Rancher January 15, 2007 Beef was a prime topic of discussion when U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries met in Washington D.C. last week.
Johanns explained to reporters what the U.S. goal with Japan in regards to beef is.
Johanns: "Our goal is to continue consultation to a broader opening of the market to U.S. beef. Our attitude has always been to try and figure out ways to work with our trading partners and we will under take to do that. But, just to summarize, my goal is what it has always been and that is to normalize beef trade based upon international standards. We are going to do that four ourselves and that is the expectation for all of our trading partners."
As for expanding trade beyond the beef from animals 21 months of age and younger, the Japanese Minister replied through a translator:
Translator: "We are not able to immediately begin consultations at this stage."
The reason:
Translator: "This concerns food safety, which is indeed the most fundamental question for the Japanese people. So what is most important now is to obtain the understanding and assurance of the Japanese consumers."
I'm Bob Hoff.