MSGA proud of Montana’s role in expanding U.S. beef trade opportunities in Korea

MSGA proud of Montana’s role in expanding U.S. beef trade opportunities in Korea

Today the Montana Stockgrowers Association commended Montana Senator and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus for his tireless effort to achieve fair, science-based trade rules for U.S. beef trade with Korea. Senator Baucus has received commitment from the Obama administration, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, and U.S. Trade Representative Kirk for additional resources to promote the safety and quality of U.S. beef to Korean consumers and to ensure the full application of the U.S.-Korea beef protocol which calls for full access for U.S. beef in Korea.

“Senator Baucus has always been a powerful and effective advocate for Montana ranchers,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “It wasn’t easy but Senator Baucus kept fighting for a better deal. Thanks to his efforts, Korea is a fast-growing market for us, and we are one step closer to our goal of full access to the Korean beef market.”

MSGA has worked to support Senator Baucus in his efforts to hold Korea to its commitment to open its market to U.S. beef in a manner consistent with sound science and international standards. Montana will host Korean officials during the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers meeting later this month.

“We are excited for this opportunity to join Senator Baucus in showcasing Montana ranchers’ cutting edge approaches to global beef innovation to deliver safe, healthy and environmentally wholesome beef to all of the 21 Asia-Pacific member economies,” Rice said.