Farmer-directors of the Nebraska Soybean Board were in Japan last week to promote U.S. beef and pork.
Duane Lee of Albion says there is terrific enthusiasm for U.S. meat among consumers in Japan. But Lee feels the 20-month cattle age limit for beef exported to Japan must be addressed in order for the beef market to reach its full potential.
“One thing we really need to get done is get the age requirement moved up,” says Lee. “Even if we can’t move it to unlimited, take it one step at a time. That’s what they would like to do over here anyway, is move it up to maybe 24 months, and then to 30.”
Auburn, Nebraska farmer Mark Caspers agrees that the 20-month age limit is limiting growth opportunities for U.S. beef in Japan. He says that while expanded market access must make its way through Japan’s political process, importers and distributors are eagerly anticipating a larger and steadier supply of U.S. beef.
“Right now, they’re waiting to see how these elections shake out and then start dealing with the new party that’s going to take over here in a couple of months,” Caspers says. “But definitely, they’re chomping at the bit. They see no reason, other than some politics getting in the way, of why it’s not in there now. Of course, they’re buying it at more than 20 months from other countries.”
While in Japan, the Nebraska delegation was hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
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