Del.icio.us  Digg  facebook  MySpace  Twitter  Google  Bookmark Me  LinkedIn  StumbleUpon  Permalink

Japan May Resume Beef Trade by June

Reports indicate the Japanese government will try to resolve the issuing of resuming beef trade with the United States by June, before Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visits the United States.

This week agricultural leaders from both countries met in Tokyo. Chuck Lambert, under secretary for marketing and regulatory products, delivered the report of USDA's inspections of 37 plants wishing to export beef to Japan.

Tokyo presented its findings from consumer and retailer listening sessions held across the country in March and April.

Japanese local papers report Japan wants to be allowed to inspect U.S. plants themselves. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns says the United States could easily accommodate this request.