Agriculture secretary reports progress at JCCT

   U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Monday said progress was made on several trade issues with China at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, which ended this week in Beijing. 
   “My discussions with Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders laid the groundwork for future cooperation related to our shared interests in food security, food safety and sustainability, as well as the expansion of export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers,” Vilsack stated. 
   On beef access, the U.S. and China agreed to continue their dialogue, with the intention to restore market access by the middle of next year, the USDA reported.
   On horticulture, the USDA said Vilsack re-affirmed a pathway for re-opening China’s market for Washington apples and California citrus. 
   On biotechnology, the USDA said Vilsack committed to begin implementing a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products. The USDA also said that China agreed to discuss concerns from the U.S. over its requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals. 
   On avian influenza, the USDA said Vilsack raised lifting bans on poultry due to avian influenza, with China responding that it was analyzing information provided by USDA.