Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner spoke Monday (Oct. 29) about the...

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner spoke Monday (Oct. 29) about the future of U.S. red meat exports and provided a market update for U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) members attending the organization’s Global Outlook Symposium at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Conner, who was appointed by President George Bush on Sept. 20, reassured attending meat producers and processors that he intends to pick up where former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, who resigned to run for a U.S. Senate seat, left off in gaining greater market access.

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Conner recognized there has been progress in regaining U.S. beef access, and stressed the U.S. government’s commitment to do what it takes to ensure full access is achieved.

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Conner identified that U.S. beef and pork exports are increasing and credited USMEF members in doing all they can to help grow exports.

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The United States is working on a record year for agriculture exports, which U.S. red meat plays a large part.

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Trade must occur on scientific standards and, according to Conner, the United States operates on those grounds and is prepared to ask trade partners to do the same.

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The Global Outlook Symposium was held in conjunction with the annual USMEF Strategic Planning Conference.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, lamb, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

– USMEF –