FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gateway Beef Requests Permission to Perform Voluntary BSE Testing Overland, MO (April 30, 2004) – Gateway Beef Cooperative President Robbie Meyer today sent U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman a letter requesting permission to perform voluntary bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) testing of 100 percent of the cattle slaughtered at their facility. In the letter, Meyer says that in order to resume exports to valuable foreign customers, the cooperative members feel that it is imperative to utilize all of the marketing advantages at their disposal, including the BioRad Rapid Test approved to test for BSE. “Our Japanese customers have indicated they are willing to pay for the costs associated with BSE testing,” said Meyer. “We feel 100 percent testing for BSE is a viable way for independent processors, like Gateway, to compete by reestablishing our niche market. Also, the rigorous testing will help restore the confidence of our Japanese customers. Scientifically, minimum food safety testing standards have been set, but our case is strictly based on meeting the demands of our international customers.” Technical assistance and continued support for the start up of Gateway Beef Cooperative, located in Overland, MO, was provided by the Family Farm Opportunity Center, the cooperative development branch of Missouri Farmers Union. Missouri Farmers Union’s mission is to protect and enhance the economic interests and way of life of family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities they represent. MFU is a true advocacy organization representing family farms and rural communities. For more information or to join, go to www.missourifarmersunion.org. ### Audio from Russ Kremer, member of Gateway Beef Cooperative |
