03/15/07 English Only & Korea Still Refusing

English Only & Korea still refusing. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. Despite an international ruling that the U.S. has limited BSE risk through a feed ban and other steps - South Korea is refusing to give ground on beef. The OIE - the international group that sets animal health standards has given the U.S. preliminary status as a 'controlled risk' country for BSE - but American Meat Institute Vice-President for International Trade John Reddington says with bilateral free trade talks still underway - and beef still a big hurdle - the Koreans are playing their cards very carefully. But given the OIE's decision - he says the pressure on South Korea will be even greater. REDDINGTON: Now that we have the OIE designation of a controlled risk country, we would like South Korea to follow those international guidelines which means that it is now acceptable to import beef from the United States from animals of any age. Oklahoma legislation to make English the state`s official language has run into opposition from American Indians, who say their native tongues are dying fast enough without any help from lawmakers. Many of Oklahoma`s 37 federally recognized tribes are fighting to save their languages and cultures from extinction years after the end of organized efforts to stamp them out. Supporters of the legislation say it could end bilingual state government documents, such as driver`s license tests, and force immigrants to learn English and assimilate into American society. English-only legislation has been adopted in 28 states and measures are pending in 12 states. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Susan Allen. Let's see, what is left to go organic? Soda pop! Soon we will have the opportunity to buy organic soda& imported organic soda. Oh it is being said that it will revolutionize our US soft drink category just like Perrier water did many moons ago. But give up Dr. Pepper for Bionade? Bionade, the new organic soft drink that could use a new name, is set to debut in Canada and Japan as well as the US by the end of this year. The all-natural drink features exotic flavors like orange ginger and elder berry& (What's wrong with good old root-beer) and labels itself the only drink that is made by a purely organic method that follows in the great tradition of German beer brewing. Bionade came into existence when a German family brewery on the brink gave upon beer and turned its operation towards making a soda al la beer -brewing techniques. Since the 90's Bionade has been receiving rave reviews in Germany and the company boasts that its sales have tripled last year. It is still puny compared to Coca-Cola and Pepsi and there is a rumor Bionade refused a buyout offer from Coke. I'd a taken it. Thanks Susan. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.