U.S. Resumes Beef Imports From Japan [Aug 24, 2012]

Aug 24, 2012

Two- Year Ban on Japanese Beef Lifted

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given its stamp of approval for Japanese beef to re-enter the United States. Beef exports from Japan to the U.S. were halted after a two year period where Japan was managing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that occurred in April 2010.

The USDA has carefully reviewed Japan’s food safety measures - looking not only at disease prevention but also their food safety precautions with regards to radioactive contamination. This is major concern especially after the Fukushima nuclear crisis that occurred in Japan last year.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture made a review of our radiation safety measures and gave a nod to it, so the timing to slaughter for exports remains unchanged," the official said.

The bulk of the beef that is exported from Japan is Wagyu, which is a type of genetically predisposed beef with intense marbling and have higher yields of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Figures from 2009 exports show that Japan exported 565 tons of beef to the U.S. with a value of $13.74 million.

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.