By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
U.S. sheep and goat exports will be accepted into Japan for the first time since the country stopped accepting U.S. imports of lamb and goat meat in more than 14 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue made the announcement July 12.
“This success is a direct result of USDA’s dedication to helping America’s farmers and ranchers keep and find new markets for their products,” Perdue said. “The United States has a reputation for high quality agricultural products and this Administration is committed to helping U.S. producers prosper and share these products with the world.”
Japanese imports of U.S. sheep and goat meat were stopped in 2003 after one case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was found in the state of Washington.
USDA technical staff worked with Japanese authorities to “establish new terms for market access that are science-based and consistent with international public and animal health standards” to allow exports to resume.
It’s welcome news for Texas sheep and goat ranchers.
Although the Lone Star State is mostly known for cattle, Texas leads the nation in lamb and wool production and produces more goats than the next 10 U.S. states combined.
“We’re the top sheep and goat producer in the country, so a new market is exciting news,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “This is just one more example of how Texas farmers and ranchers are hard at work supplying food and fiber for consumers all across the globe.”
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated details on Japan’s export requirements.