New Market

<a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2006/03/0068.xml">MALAYSIA OPENS MARKET TO U.S. BEEF PRODUCTS</a><br />n<br />n <blockquote>WASHINGTON, March 7, 2006 – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that Malaysia will resume imports of U.S. beef and beef products.<br />n<br />n"I'm very pleased with the reopening of the Malaysian market to U.S. beef and beef products," said Johanns. "Today's announcement is another positive step in our efforts to resume normal U.S. beef trade around the world that follows science-based international guidelines in food and animal safety. We look forward to building on this opening to expand product coverage and exporter eligibility."<br />n<br />nUnder the agreement announced today, the United States will be able to export boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age. U.S. and Malaysian authorities are working to finalize the remaining documentation details so that shipments can begin in the near future.<br />n<br />nIn 2003, the United States exported more than $1.9 million worth of beef and beef products to Malaysia. Following the detection of <acronym title="Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy">BSE</acronym> in December 2003, Malaysia imposed a ban on all U.S. beef and beef products.</blockquote><br />n<br />nIt would be nice if this was an announcment that Japan had opened it's market but hey, I will take what I can get. It's better than a kick in the pants.<br />n<br />n<b>It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do. Benito Mussolini</b>