Agricultural News
Phil Seng Explains USMEF Strategy in Managing BSE Discovery in US With Pacific Rim Customers
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:31:41 CDT
Nearly one week after USDA’s announcement of a new BSE case in California, a partial import ban by Indonesia remains the only official change in market access for U.S. beef. (The Indonesian market remains open to imports of boneless beef cuts from the United States, but has closed to beef variety meat, bone-in muscle cuts and other beef products.) Thailand has not officially informed the U.S. government of a ban on U.S. beef imports, but has publicly announced that trade may be suspended.
While Indonesia’s decision is disappointing, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Philip Seng says it was mainly due to Indonesia’s desire to bolster its own domestic beef production rather than actual concerns about BSE. Seng adds that the vast majority of U.S. trading partners have followed sound science and handled news of the BSE case responsibly.
Seng cautions, however, that maintaining market access is only part of the battle. In key markets, USMEF staff members have been actively engaged with industry partners, media contacts and other influential sources in an effort to maintain consumer confidence and dispel any misinformation about the safety or quality of U.S. beef. These activities are critical to maintaining consumer demand and protecting U.S. market share.
Phil Seng explains what is going on beyond our borders as it relates to this fourth case of BSE here in the US on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network- but is also a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show- and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
