Source:  Dani Friedland, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/4/11

Additional funding has been set aside to support beef exports to South Korea, and talks could help pave the way for expanded accessibility.

USDA awarded an additional $1 million to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which will use the money to augment ongoing beef promotion efforts in South Korea. The new funds come from the FY2011 Market Access Program.

USMEF also announced a five-year, $10 million project to develop the market for U.S. beef in Korea, including promotion of the safety and quality of U.S. beef, the adoption of international standards, and the promotion of science-based decision-making.
"We are pleased to partner with USMEF to promote U.S. meat exports globally, and share their desire to take advantage of new market access under the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "U.S. beef exports to Korea increased 140 percent in 2010, but still remain below 2003 levels when Korea was our third-largest beef market. USMEF's long-term focus on Korea will help restore U.S. market share."

New talks
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk also announced that the U.S. would seek consultations with South Korea on beef trade under the terms of the Protocol on Import Health Requirements for U.S. Beef and Beef Products, which the U.S. and Korea finalized in April 2008.

“Once the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) enters into force…the United States will request consultations with Korea with regard to the full application of the Protocol, recognizing that KORUS and the Protocol are separate agreements,” Kirk wrote in a letter to Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). “Pursuant to Article 25 of the Protocol, those consultations shall be held within seven days of the consultation request.”

"These moves will hopefully spur movement on the Korea trade agreement, which will be a boost to our members and to the entire red-meat industry,” National Meat Association CEO Barry Carpenter said in a news release.  “We appreciate that the USTR and USDA have taken these steps, and for the support of Chairman Baucus."

AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle said, “On behalf of the U.S. meat industry, I commend Senator Baucus for his tireless efforts in promoting expanded access for U.S. beef in Korea. It is our hope that this important development will put the Korea Free Trade Agreement, as well as those with Panama and Colombia, on a fast track for approval in the Senate.”

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