(Omaha, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced that efforts to re-enter the Japanese beef market have been successful. Beef from cattle in a North Platte feed lot left Omaha today and will be among the first U.S. beef available in Japan.

The Governor joined Greater Omaha Packing Co. CEO and President Henry Davis in announcing the first shipment of Nebraska beef to Japan. Greater Omaha Packing was one of several companies certified Monday to fill orders under new trade regulations with Japan.

“I said we would move aggressively to re-establish our presence in the Japanese market, and I am pleased to report that with this shipment we have followed through on that pledge,” Gov. Heineman said. “I want to express my gratitude to the many agricultural organizations, elected officials and business leaders who have been such strong advocates for our state.”

The Governor also announced that he is sending a high-level delegation to Japan to lay the groundwork for re-establishing and strengthening trade relationships. The delegation will include Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The visit will focus on outreach to potential beef customers and demonstrating to Japanese consumers the safety and quality of Nebraska beef, in addition to restoring ties with several Japanese companies doing business with the state.

The first shipment of Nebraska beef will be served at a Monday reception in Tokyo for business leaders and former customers of Nebraska’s beef industry. The remainder of the shipment will be used to help bolster consumer confidence and demand, as well as to promote Nebraska as a high-quality, reliable supplier of beef.

The Governor set an aggressive timetable for market re-entry prior to the announcement that Japan would lift the ban on U.S. beef, based on a November ruling by the Japanese Food Safety Commission that U.S. beef is safe. Japan was the largest customer for Nebraska’s beef exports prior to the country’s ban on U.S. beef, enacted in 2003.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Aaron Sanderford, 402-471-1967
Ashley Cradduck, 402-471-1970