When placed on packages of U.S. pork throughout Japan, it will demonstrate to Japanese consumers that U.S. pork meets the highest standards for safety, wholesomeness, quality, value, reliability of supply and environmental care. Starting immediately, the new seal will be offered to Japanese importers, manufacturers, restaurant chains and retailers by the U.S. Meat Export Federation and U.S. pork suppliers. The seal will also be prominently displayed in all U.S. pork promotions and advertising. Pork checkoff funding is supporting this new international initiative. Because Japan is our most important export market, the success of U.S. producers is dependent on showing our Japanese customers that the United States produces the world's best pork, in an environmentally sustainable manner, from farm to table.
Japan is the largest export market for U.S. pork.
For 1998, total U.S. pork exports are up more than 30 percent for the first eight months compared to 1997.