News Update

News Update
Feb. 16, 2006

Costa Rica Lifts Beef Ban

Costa Rica has lifted its ban on U.S. beef imports, the American Meat Institute (AMI) reported yesterday.

According to AMI, the country has agreed to allow imports of boneless U.S. beef, tongues, kidneys, livers and hearts. Costa Rica will not mandate a beef export verification (BEV) program if “the slaughter or processing plant is dedicated exclusively to production of beef products from animals less than 30 months of age, and does not use imported beef products.”

Thailand Opens Doors to Boneless Beef

Final trade negotiations have been made, and Thailand has announced it will allow imports of U.S. boneless beef, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

According to NCBA, the delay in Thailand’s reopening has been due to setbacks in U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. A 50% tariff on beef imports has also been a hindrance. NCBA reports that the U.S. exported 1.66 million pounds (lb.) of beef and variety meats to Thailand in 2003.

Electronic ID Sales Increase

Digital Angel Corp., a technology company specializing in identification (ID), location tracking and condition monitoring, announced that total sales of its radio frequency ID (RFID) ear tags increased 73% in 2005 compared to 2004.

In addition, the company has announced the trend is continuing in 2006, with approximately 1 million orders for RFID tags.

“As we get closer to full implementation of a national identification program in the U.S., retailers, producers and cattlemen in general are preparing for the evolution into RFID technology as a standard in the livestock tracking industry,” said Kevin McGrath, Digital Angel president and chief executive officer (CEO).

– compiled by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc.