The Bush administration cancelled a Friday meeting in which officials had been expected to outline to US agriculture groups a plan to tighten mad cow disease safeguards so that a ban on imports of Canadian beef could be eased.


However, US officials are thought to be preparing to reveal a plan as early as this week that will indicate what must be done before the US can begin easing the restrictions, reported Reuters.


The private meeting due to take place last Friday was to have been led by White House agriculture adviser Chuck Conner, in order to pave the way for a public announcement this week, industry sources told Reuters. Another industry source, however, played down the importance of the meeting, saying it was one of a series of consultations on the mad cow disease issue.


Meanwhile, Japanese Agriculture Minister Yoshiyuki Kamei said on Friday that Japan would be concerned if the US were to ease its ban on Canadian beef imports.


“It is not something that Japan has a say in. However if that should happen we cannot help but have strong concerns,” Kamei told reporters after a meeting in Washington with US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Japan is the biggest buyer of US beef and has demanded stricter safeguards against Canadian beef ending up in US beef shipments to Japan.


The US ban on imports of Canadian beef was imposed following the discovery of a single case of mad cow disease in Alberta on 20 May.