(Colin (CALL-UN) Woodall, is executive director of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association)
The agreement to allow U.S. beef exports back into South Korea was finalized during the evening of June 25, when the Korean government officially published the new beef import rules. Under a transitional program, beef products exported to Korea must be from cattle younger than 30 months of age. The Korean market was to have opened to U.S. beef from cattle of all ages on May 15, but the opening was delayed for more than a month by protests and political unrest in Korea.
While the National Cattlemen's Beef Association reminds all consumers that beef from U.S. cattle of all ages is absolutely safe for both export and domestic consumption, cattlemen are pleased that this transitional measure will get U.S. beef back on Korea's store shelves and allow the industry to begin regaining the trust and confidence of Korean consumers. Colin Woodall, NCBA's executive director of legislative affairs, explains:
Cut #1: :30 Out cue: "… over 30 months of age."
While Woodall says the 30-month age restriction isn't justified by science, the transitional agreement will at least allow U.S. beef to begin moving again in Korea.
Cut #2: :30 Out cue: "… some time now."
He added that market access to Korea is badly needed right now, as cattlemen need to add value to their livestock to help them cope with skyrocketing costs for feed, fuel and other inputs.
Cut #3: :20 Out cue: "…through some tough times."