U.S. working to remove Japanese beef import restrictions


The USDA is working with the new Japanese cabinet to try and remove restrictions limiting U.S. beef exports to Japan.

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The USDA is working with the new Japanese cabinet to try and remove restrictions limiting U.S. beef exports to Japan.

“I do know it is a priority to the U.S. government and the new (Japanese) cabinet, as well,” [Geoff Wiggin, agricultural minister of USDA’s Japan office] said Sept. 13 after a briefing here with an Oregon trade delegation led by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

The restrictions have been in place since shortly after mad-cow disease was found in a single U.S. cow in 2003.

Wiggin said Oregon beef producers are in good position to gain market share in Japan if and when the restrictions are lifted.

“Oregon over the years has shown a real commitment to its ag producers in accessing the export markets, and particularly, Japan,” Wiggin said.

Read more at Capital Press.

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