Americas | Mexico awaiting outcome Japan decision on mad cowMexico will not d...
Americas
Mexico awaiting outcome Japan decision on mad cow
Mexico will not decide on lifting the ban on Canadian cattle until major beef importing nations like Japan feel they are safe from contamination by export, a top official told Reuters on Wednesday.
U.S., Mexico to Expand Research Projects
A Memorandum of Understanding between USDA and Mexico's Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) aims to create permanent bilateral working groups for cooperation in biotechnology, water resources, forest resources, sustainable rural development and environmental services. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Mexico's Semarant Secretary Victor Lichtinger signed the MOU.
Stones rock for Canadian beef
Canada is getting help from the Rolling Stones to revive its beef industry, which has been ravaged by the discovery of a single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, which has led to the import ban of Canadian beef by 34 countries.
Canadian Consumers Congratulated
The Canadian Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief has praised Canadian consumers and foodservice outlets for backing Canadian beef in the wake of the BSE crisis.
Europe
EU: EU agrees ban on certain hormones in livestock production
European legislation banning the use in livestock production of beta-agonists and certain hormones (oestradiol 17 and its derivatives plus five others) has been approved by the EU Council of Ministers, which has accepted technical amendments passed by the European Parliament.
USA
NCBA calls for Japan to ease tariffs
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is calling for the immediate removal of increased Japanese tariffs on U.S. chilled beef imports slated to begin Aug. 1, but the group's protest is likely to have little impact with Japanese officials.
WTO members agree to free-up ag trade
An informal meeting of World Trade Organization members in Canada has wrapped up with a commitment from Europe and the United States to work on a new proposal to free up trade in agriculture.[
COOL debate continues at NCBA
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association's policy in regards to the country-of-origin labeling has always been favorable for a voluntary system. But, in light of the Farm Bill's requirement for a mandatory system, the NCBA revised its policy to give its staff in Washington, D.C., some flexibility in dealing with the issue. The new directive still pushes to make COOL voluntary. However, in the event that no changes can be made to the current law to benefit producers, the NCBA will seek an extension of the current voluntary guidelines until a workable labeling program can be implemented. In addition, the NCBA would then work to create a task force representing all industry segments and to develop compliance guidelines. Visit NCBA's Website, www.beef.org, for more information regarding this topic.
Traceability service offered to High Plains' producers
As the cattle industry enters the age of traceability, one South Dakota company is offering services to help High Plains' producers deal with future regulatory requirements. BeefOrigins LLC provides cattle producers with options for individual-animal identification, production-data collection and reporting services. The data collected will be shared using technology and information solutions from Food Origins, a division of John Deere Shared Services. For more information, go to
USDA Signs Environmental Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico's Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to create permanent bilateral working groups for cooperation in biotechnology, water resources, forest resources, sustainable rural development and environmental services. Signing for Mexico was SEMARNAT Secretary Victor Lichtinger.
Americas
Mexico awaiting outcome Japan decision on mad cow
Mexico will not decide on lifting the ban on Canadian cattle until major beef importing nations like Japan feel they are safe from contamination by export, a top official told Reuters on Wednesday.
U.S., Mexico to Expand Research Projects
A Memorandum of Understanding between USDA and Mexico’s Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) aims to create permanent bilateral working groups for cooperation in biotechnology, water resources, forest resources, sustainable rural development and environmental services. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Mexico's Semarant Secretary Victor Lichtinger signed the MOU.
Stones rock for Canadian beef
Canada is getting help from the Rolling Stones to revive its beef industry, which has been ravaged by the discovery of a single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, which has led to the import ban of Canadian beef by 34 countries.
Canadian Consumers Congratulated
The Canadian Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief has praised Canadian consumers and foodservice outlets for backing Canadian beef in the wake of the BSE crisis.
Europe
EU: EU agrees ban on certain hormones in livestock production
European legislation banning the use in livestock production of beta-agonists and certain hormones (oestradiol 17 and its derivatives plus five others) has been approved by the EU Council of Ministers, which has accepted technical amendments passed by the European Parliament.
USA
NCBA calls for Japan to ease tariffs
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is calling for the immediate removal of increased Japanese tariffs on U.S. chilled beef imports slated to begin Aug. 1, but the group's protest is likely to have little impact with Japanese officials.
WTO members agree to free-up ag trade
An informal meeting of World Trade Organization members in Canada has wrapped up with a commitment from Europe and the United States to work on a new proposal to free up trade in agriculture.[
COOL debate continues at NCBA
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association's policy in regards to the country-of-origin labeling has always been favorable for a voluntary system. But, in light of the Farm Bill's requirement for a mandatory system, the NCBA revised its policy to give its staff in Washington, D.C., some flexibility in dealing with the issue. The new directive still pushes to make COOL voluntary. However, in the event that no changes can be made to the current law to benefit producers, the NCBA will seek an extension of the current voluntary guidelines until a workable labeling program can be implemented. In addition, the NCBA would then work to create a task force representing all industry segments and to develop compliance guidelines. Visit NCBA's Website, www.beef.org, for more information regarding this topic.
Traceability service offered to High Plains' producers
As the cattle industry enters the age of traceability, one South Dakota company is offering services to help High Plains' producers deal with future regulatory requirements. BeefOrigins LLC provides cattle producers with options for individual-animal identification, production-data collection and reporting services. The data collected will be shared using technology and information solutions from Food Origins, a division of John Deere Shared Services. For more information, go to
USDA Signs Environmental Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico’s Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to create permanent bilateral working groups for cooperation in biotechnology, water resources, forest resources, sustainable rural development and environmental services. Signing for Mexico was SEMARNAT Secretary Victor Lichtinger.