June 21, 2006

Sebelius welcomes news that American beef destined for Japan

Governor Kathleen Sebelius said Kansas received great news today when she learned the United States reached an agreement with Japan that should allow beef exports to that nation to resume as early as the end of July.

“This is great news for Kansas beef producers who have waited many long months for this market to reopen,” Sebelius said. “I welcome the news as much as any Kansas rancher or beef processor.”

While many of the details of the export agreement have not been publicized, Sebelius said she is confident Japanese consumers are ready to buy Kansas beef.

“From my own visit to Japan in 2004, I learned that Japanese consumers equate Kansas with producing high-quality beef,” she said. “It’s a well-deserved reputation that we earned by producing a consistent product.”

In the year before Japan instituted its ban on American beef, the nation imported $175.1 million worth of Kansas beef. The ban came after the United States diagnosed two cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

“The United States has been very proactive about taking steps to prevent BSE in American cattle,” Sebelius said. “Our international customers can be confident they are getting safe, wholesome beef.”

Sebelius said she will provide whatever assistance is needed to ensure that Kansas beef is among the first shipments to Japan. She also will continue to offer help to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to get American beef into other Asian markets.

“Japan’s action will likely spur other Asian nations to re-open their markets,” Sebelius said. “Kansas is a top beef producing state, and I will continue to encourage USDA to be aggressive in regaining access to these important markets.”

Kansas ranks first nationwide in commercial cattle slaughtered and third in red meat production. Meat packing and prepared meat products manufacturing make up the largest share of the food processing industry in Kansas. They provide employment for more than 18,000 people in Kansas.