Regarding Japan opening market to U.S. beef

Charles Kruse, President of Missouri Farm Bureau

“We are very pleased the Japanese government announced today they are finally lifting their two year ban on imports of U.S. beef,” said Dexter, farmer Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau President. “Our organization has long called for Japan to adhere to sound science in determining the protocol for re-opening their markets.

“The loss of the Japanese market robbed the American cattle industry of substantial economic gains. However, even with these lost financial opportunities our cattle producers have competed successfully against their global counterparts and now stand ready to reap the benefits of this additional demand for U.S. beef.

“Japanese consumers have also been big losers over the last two years. They were forced to replace a safe, affordable, reliable product that was unmatched in quality with a less desirable product. It is my hope U.S. beef exports will resume without further delay, and that we will be able to regain the confidence of the Japanese people.”