In a joint statement, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that U.S. producers are now eligible to ship a larger array of U.S. beef and beef products to Chile. The market opening follows months of bilateral meetings between officials from the Chilean government, USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. And it follows a visit to Chile by President Obama to discuss how the United States can create jobs in America by deepening our economic relationship and expanding exports to South America.
Secretary Vilsack said – this action by the government of Chile will provide Chilean consumers with greater access to safe, high-quality U.S. beef. These negotiations were based on a mutual respect for international, science-based standards. Meanwhile U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said – the commitment of Chile and the United States to work together to promote science-based trade rules while providing our consumers with safe and wholesome foods is a win-win for both countries.
The United States exported approximately 6.2-million dollars in beef and beef products to Chile in 2010. World-wide, U.S. farm exports, including beef and beef products, reached an all-time high of 115.8-billion dollars in calendar year 2010.
Source: 
Posted by Haylie Shipp
