Address to Meat New Zealand, Phil Seng, President & CEO, 09/16/02 (Power ...
Address to Meat New Zealand, Phil Seng, President & CEO, 09/16/02 (Power Point Presentation now available)
USMEF
Unique Meetings Show Meat Export Importance
USMEF Exporter and AMI International Trade committees last week joined with representatives of FAS, AMS, FSIS and APHIS and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to discuss red meat export issues, including:
- Mexico – current status of new verification points and implementation of final NAFTA provisions to be fully implemented January 1, 2003.
- China – adherence to commitments made under the WTO accession agreement, specifically regarding import licensing, transparency and publication of pathogen standards.
- Japan – update on current BSE situation, the probability that a beef safeguard will be triggered next year and the impact of the current pork safeguard.
- Russia – potential future impacts of poultry disputes on beef and pork trade and the status of Russian acceptance of the U.S. Trichinae Pilot Program.
- Free Trade Agreement negotiation status – especially those with Chile and Australia.
- Country of Origin Labeling – AMS briefed the group on soon-to-be-released voluntary standards that would be in place for two years; followed by a mandatory program.
In a meeting with Secretary Veneman’s Special Assistant for International Trade David Hegwood and FAS Administrator Ellen Terpstra, committee members said the administration must work to provide greater resources to FAS and FSIS, place FSIS officers in selected U.S. embassies and achieve greater coordination between FAS, FSIS and APHIS. They also noted that the U.S. must continue to work for greater market access, but then be ready to follow access with promotional efforts funded by both USDA and the industry. The industry members also stated that USDA and USTR must be ready to work to resolve the “nuts and bolts” issues of trade, such as labeling, residue levels, veterinary equivalency, documentation and others.
Working with National Cattlemen's Beef Association and National Pork Producer's Council, committee members also had an opportunity to brief staff from House and Senate agriculture committees on their meetings with USDA officials.
Click for USMEF Annual Board of Directors Meeting Information and Registration Form; November 6-8, 2002 - Long Beach, California