Gov. Heineman Comments on Partial Reopening
of Japanese Market to U.S. Beef
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman offered comments this morning on the decision to reopen Japan’s borders to U.S. beef.
“I am very pleased that Japanese officials have now taken action to resume trade with producers of U.S. beef products,” Gov. Heineman said. “Japan is a vital market for Nebraska’s beef industry and today’s action will have an important impact on our state.
“As the top processor of red meat in the U.S., the resumption of trade with Japan represents a significant opportunity for Nebraska producers to regain ground in a very important market. We will move aggressively to re-establish our presence in the Japanese market as soon as possible.”
The Governor was responding to a U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement that an agreement has been reached for the partial resumption of trade, which today opened the border for import of beef products from animals 20 months of age or younger.
“While this is not a full restoration of trade, it is a major step in the right direction. My hope is that U.S. and Japanese officials will continue working towards the full restoration of trade, and that this decision will open the door for other Asian markets to lift bans on U.S. beef.”
Prior to the closing of borders to U.S. beef two years ago Japan was the state’s leading export market for Nebraska beef, representing nearly 50 percent of the total Nebraska beef export market.
