Nelson, Smith upset about Korean beef delay

An "I told you so" reaction came from U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson upon news that South Korea will be delaying implementation of its new protocol governing imports of U.S. beef beyond the agreed date of May 15 by seven to 10 days.

Four weeks ago, when South Korea announced it would resume full importation of U.S. beef, Nelson said it was a good sign but remained skeptical "because we've been down this road before."

"Time after time, South Korea has promised to fully open their markets to our beef and then used very thin excuses to again block access," Nelson said. "If they want Congress to approve a free trade agreement, they had better stop playing games and treat American cattle producers fairly."

Rep. Adrian Smith is also concerned the South Korean government is delaying opening of its markets to U.S. beef imports. He said public protests in South Korea have escalated, putting pressure on the South Korean government.

"I hope the reopening of this important market to U.S. beef and beef products won't be derailed by misinformed politics and innuendo," he said. "Our beef is safe, our standards are high, and we produce the highest quality of beef available worldwide.  South Korea is an important market, and I look forward to seeing its doors opened to American beef as soon as possible."

Smith said the new protocol, which was to take effect May 15 but has been delayed seven to 10 days, defines conditions for importation of U.S. beef to South Korea and provides for a full reopening of the market. 

He said it is fully consistent with OIE guidelines and would permit all U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages to be exported to South Korea, with appropriate Specified Risk Materials, as defined by the OIE, removed.

South Korea closed its market to U.S. beef and beef products after a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly called mad cow disease, was discovered in the United States in December 2003. At the time, South Korea was importing $815 million worth of U.S. beef and beef products annually.