By Gabe Eckert
Georgia Cattlemen’s Association
Officials in Mexico informed the USDA
in early April of new
requirements for the importation of selected variety meats, veal
and tallow into their country.
Combined with Mexico’s March 3
announcement to reopen the border
to boneless beef, the U.S. has now regained access for products
that accounted for $746 million, or 74 percent of approximately
$1 billion in exports of beef and tallow to Mexico in 2003.
The U.S., Mexico and Canada have been
working together to
harmonize measures and regulations related to bovine
spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) in North America.
This includes work toward
North American standards for risk mitigation based on sound
science.
“This action, combined with previous
actions by Mexico and
commitments by the Canadian Government, demonstrates solidarity
within North America to trade in beef and beef products based on
internationally accepted scientific standards for human and
animal health,” said USDA Secretary Ann Veneman.
Tyson Foods Inc. reduced beef
production at some of its U.S.
plants during the second week of April. According to the
company, this was in reaction to tight supplies of market-ready
cattle, slow beef sales and reduced beef exports.
Six beef plant have been closed and
other plants are operating at
reduced levels. The company did not identify the affected
plants.
In an effort to help keep domestic
beef demand strong in light of closed exports market, the
beef industry is expanding
its summer grilling campaign.
The new checkoff-funded advertising,
as part of the overall “Taste of America Summer Grilling
Promotion,” will tap
into Americans’ passion for beef during the summer grilling
season. The Taste of America Summer Grilling Promotion will
celebrate the anniversary of the hamburger, which made its public
appearance at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.
Dozens of marketing elements make up
this checkoff-funded summer campaign. For more information, go
to the following Web site:
http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/.
