Statement: Conaway Comments on Resumption on Beef Trade with Japan
U.S., Japan reach agreement to resume shipments of U.S. beef after Japan conducts inspections of U.S. beef processing plants, 6/22/2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) made the following statement in response to the agreement with Japan to reopen the trade of U.S. beef. Japanese audit teams will arrive in the U.S. this weekend and conclude their work by the end of July. Upon completion of the audits, Japan has agreed to immediately resume beef trade.

“The agreement to reopen beef trade with Japan is a step in the right direction; however our work is far from over. I applaud the work of US negotiators thus far, but we must continue to work with Japan until U.S. beef is once again fully accepted into the Japanese market. It is of the utmost importance that Japan recognizes the U.S. food safety inspection system as a single, successful system and act accordingly in resuming trade. I foresee a non-disruptive trade relationship with Japan in the near future, and we will continue to work diligently until that is achieved.”

Congressman Mike Conaway serves on the House Committee on Agriculture.