Quality, Consistency
In Beef Board Focus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Beef quality and consistency and international markets are the focus of two new beef checkoff-funded projects approved by the Beef Promotion Operating Committee at its November 5-6 meeting here.

The committee approved a $133,000 research project to enhance beef quality and palatability traits through the use of calcium chloride, vitamin E and ascorbic acid. The project will be conducted by the North American Meat Processors in coordination with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and will begin March 1, 1997.

The committee also approved $150,000 for a foreign marketing program to restore Japanese consumer confidence in the safety and wholesomeness of U.S. beef following an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in Japan. The program will be conducted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, NCBA’s primary contractor in the foreign marketing program area. Other program cooperators, such as U.S. exporting companies, the beef, pork and grain producing sectors, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will contribute an additional $2,330,000 to the Japanese food safety initiative.

Operating committee chairman Jan Lyons, Manhattan, Kan., said, "It’s good to see other industry organizations in partnership with NCBA and the Beef Board. It allows the industry to draw knowledge and resources together that may further benefit the industry and achieve our overall long-term goals."

In other action, the committee identified $1.55 million that will be available for a fiscal year 1997 Beef Board budget amendment. The additional funds resulted primarily from activities which were accomplished for less than budgeted amounts in fiscal year 1996. A recommendation for allocation of those moneys into program areas will be determined by the industry budget committee.