Source:  Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 6/5/09

Nicaragua has signed an agreement that allows live U.S. cattle, as well as beef and beef products from cattle of all ages, to be exported there, the USDA announced.

The new agreement went into effect on May 5. Previously, the Nicaraguan market for U.S. beef and beef products was restricted to boneless beef and other products from animals less than 30 months of age, and live cattle were not allowed.

"With this agreement, it's clear that Nicaragua … respects the sound science behind the internationally developed standards for cattle safety to which we all adhere," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "USDA will continue to press for full market access for American cattle and beef all around the world."

More than 100 countries allow U.S. beef and beef products to enter their countries, the release noted.

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