Washington, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers praised a new agreement between the United States and Japan today, saying the pact is a good first step toward helping re-open the Japanese market to U.S. beef and one that could ultimately benefit Alabama farmers and cattlemen.

“This agreement with Japan is certainly encouraging news for our farmers,” said Rogers, a member of the Agriculture Committee. “Not only should this help re-open one of the world’s largest markets for American beef, but it’s also a good first step toward providing our producers fair access to millions of Japanese consumers who prefer the taste and quality of American beef products.”

Rogers said helping find a solution for the beef issue with Japan has been one of his top priorities on the Agriculture Committee. Last April, Rogers joined Agriculture Committee Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) in a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato and other committee members to discuss Japan’s trade restrictions on American beef. Rogers also signed a letter to President Bush in September on the issue.

“I hope this positive development helps lay the foundations for even more fair trade between our nations,” Rogers said.

In 2003, the Japanese blocked imports of American beef as a result of the discovery of BSE, or Mad Cow Disease, in one imported Canadian cow. In addition to helping re-open the Japanese market to American beef, the agreement also allows Japanese beef to be imported into the United States. In 2003 American farmers exported more than $1 billion in beef to Japan.

 Rogers is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and its Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. 

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