01/26/05 Johanns meets the press, Part two

When U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns conducted his first interview with the media in his current capacity, he covered a lot of ground with reporters on a variety of ag policy and trade issues. But as expected, sooner or later, questions were asked about Johanns' views on several b.s.e. related matters. And that included getting Japan reopened to U.S. beef products banned since our b.s.e. case in December 2003. One might remember Johanns' emphatic words to Congress during his confirmation hearing earlier this month in which he said getting our beef back into Japan would be his number one priority. And that enthusiasm did not waiver during his press conference. Neither did his confidence which stems from numerous international trade missions conducted while he was Governor of Nebraska. JOHANNS: I have been to Japan on a number of occasions. We have had a very warm, friendly relationship on a personal level and we've had a great trading relationship with Japan through the years. When the whole issue of b.s.e. first surfaced in the United States, there was an immediate reaction worldwide. But as we've worked with countries on the science based approach, really country after country has reopened their borders to our beef. And Johanns believes with the progress made over the last few months between the U.S. and Japan that it won't be long for his number one priority to be accomplished in a way that satisfies all parties. JOHANNS: We've spent the last year, working on the technical aspects. We've had delegations there. We've answered the scientific questions, the technical questions, and all of those things. And I believe the day has arrived for trade to resume between our two countries on beef. Then there is the resumption of Canadian beef imports into our nation in March. Again, all Johanns would say is that he plans to be active on the issue, but did not express if he agrees or disagrees with the previous U.S.D.A. Administration's plans to reopen the border. JOHANNS: My promise to the committee was that I would immediately come up to speed on everything available to my disposal at the U.S.D.A relative to the Canadian rule, and as a matter of fact, I'm doing that. I've scheduled a series of meetings. I just fully expect to be immersed in this whole area in the days ahead. And that includes next month's Congressional hearing on U.S.D.A.'s final rule to resume beef trade with Canada.