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Cindy Ragin     (301) 734-7280
Suzanne Bond  (301) 734-5175

USDA ANNOUNCES NEW AGREEMENT ALLOWING LIVE CATTLE, BEEF AND BEEF PRODUCTS FROM U.S. TO BE EXPORTED TO NICARAGUA

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2009--Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Nicaragua will allow live U.S. cattle, as well as beef and beef products from cattle of all ages to be exported to that Central American country.  The agreement worked out between the two countries became effective May 5, 2009.   With this agreement, all of Central America, except for El Salvador, is now open to U.S. cattle, beef and beef products.
 
“With this agreement, it’s clear that Nicaragua recognizes the outstanding quality of U.S. cattle, beef and beef products and respects the sound science behind the internationally developed standards for cattle safety to which we all adhere.  We applaud Nicaragua for taking this critical step,” said Vilsack.  “USDA will continue to press for full market access for American cattle and beef all around the world in keeping with international trade standards.”

Officials from USDA have worked with Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to restore the market for live cattle exports which was closed to U.S.-origin animals in 2003 following reports of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States.  The United States has not exported live cattle to Nicaragua since 2000, when the Central American country accepted live cattle valued at $4.9 million.

Because of the 2003 BSE detection, the Nicaraguan market for U.S. beef and beef products was restricted to boneless beef, and other products, from animals less than 30 months of age.  When the market partially reopened in 2005 and in 2008, the United States exported over $600,000 in beef and beef products to Nicaragua.  With the agreement just signed, the age restrictions are now lifted, allowing beef and beef products from cattle of any age to be exported as long as the cattle were slaughtered after May 5.
 
Currently, more than 100 countries allow U.S. beef and beef products to enter their countries.

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