New USDA chief vows to re-start beef trade with Japan

New USDA chief vows to re-start beef trade with Japan    Mike Johanns, the new U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary, said he would immediately work to restore the country’s beef trade with Japan.
   Japan shut out U.S. beef imports after a Washington state cow tested positive for the brain-wasting disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on Dec. 23, 2003.
   “We’re going to do everything we can to reopen trade on beef,” said Johanns in a tele-news conference on Monday. “I just want to emphasize, this is my top priority. I’m going to do every possible thing to move this agenda along.”
   Johanns was sworn in as agriculture secretary Jan. 21. He replaces Ann Veneman as the country’s top agricultural leader.
   Japan was once the U.S. cattle industry’s largest importer by value of beef products. Prior to the late 2003 ban, Japan imported about $1.4 billion in American beef annually. USDA officials have met with the Japanese government on numerous occasions last year to develop a “science-based” approach to restoring the beef trade between the countries.
   “Now we’re really anxious to cement the deal, if you will, ink the deal with Japan,” Johanns said. “And I see every reason to believe that we can do that.”
   Other markets, such as Mexico, have since re-opened their borders to U.S. beef. The United States is working closely with Canada to normalize beef trade.
   Johanns said he would also press the Bush administration’s position for a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program for imported fruits, vegetables, and meats, instead of a mandatory procedure. In addition, he affirmed to American wheat farmers that he would advocate the use of food to support U.S. foreign aid programs.