Denver — Thirteen members of a U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)-sponsore...

Denver — Thirteen members of a U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)-sponsored Europe Market Expo recently returned to the United States after spending a week evaluating the market for U.S. red meat in Eastern Europe and the European Union (EU). Headed by Merlyn Carlson, USMEF Chairman, and George Obernagel, Chairman-Elect, the team of meat producers and representatives of commodity groups gained valuable insights into the potential for U.S. beef and pork exports in the growing markets of Eastern Europe and a new understanding of the complex trading relationship experienced by the EU and the United States.

The team visit allowed the participants to gain an understanding of the many influencing factors affecting the dynamics of each market. They witnessed the potential demand for U.S. product in each market and the growth potential for U.S. beef and pork exports.

Richard Ali, USMEF Director Europe, Russia & the Middle East, joined the team in London and accompanied them to Budapest, Hungary, the team’s first stop, and to Warsaw, Poland. "With an import quota of over 18,000 mt, the Hungarian processing industry offers significant opportunities for U.S. pork and pork variety meats," said Ali.

Touring pork and beef processing plants, distribution centers, high-end supermarkets and restaurants exposed participants to a variety of market conditions and provided a window into the meat cultures of the emerging markets of Eastern Europe.

George Obernagel, who is on the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, expressed his satisfaction with the steps taken by USMEF to further open these markets to U.S. red meat. "There is obviously a lot of goodwill towards Americans and a high opinion of U.S. products in both Poland and Hungary. From talking to people on the ground here, it seems to me that the most pressing need is for credit. The Canadians are selling more than us simply because they are extending credit."

"The Polish market remains a huge tripe market, but USMEF and the industry are now developing a market for high quality beef," Obernagel added.

In fact, in Poland, the team attended a ceremony in which USMEF Chairman Carlson awarded USMEF’s American Beef Club’s prestigious title of "Licensed Distributor of the Year" to the Polish distributor, Elkopol,

Poland is also a large importer of pork. "The pork quotas in Poland should not be ignored," noted Ali. "This year’s quota amounts to over 46,000 mt."

Ali also noted that, "The EU cut its pork export subsidies by over 12 percent and its beef export subsidies by 5 percent. This is important as it reduces the EU’s competitiveness across Eastern Europe and Russia."

The team concluded its visit in Britain, an EU member, where they traveled to rural Oxfordshire and on to London. During the visit, they met with local farmers, U.S. Embassy staff members and a representative from Britain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). EU access issues were a major component of the discussions.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is a national trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. For its programs, USMEF receives funding and support from USDA, exporting companies and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs. Headquartered in Denver, USMEF has offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Mexico City and London. USMEF also has special market representatives covering China, the Middle East, South America, the former Soviet Union and the Caribbean.