EU to Accept Australian Beef under Duty-Free Quota
Today (Jan. 20) the European Commission confirmed that the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is authorized to certify beef that is in conformity with the requirements of EU Regulation 620/2009. This will allow import of some Australian beef into the EU on a duty-free basis.
Regulation 620/2009 came into force in August 2009 and was opened for up to 20,000 metric tons of high-quality beef that meets certain feeding and quality specifications as defined in the regulation. The quota is open to all origins, but initially only FSIS was authorized by the EU to certify beef as eligible. From August 2009 to January 2010, 6,499 metric tons worth of import licenses were delivered to EU importers for high-quality beef originating from the United States.
It is not expected that any duty-free beef will be shipped to the EU from Australia until at least the 100 days outlined in the regulation’s feeding requirement have passed, along with the time required to process and ship such beef. While small air shipments might be made by mid-June, shipments by sea are not expected to arrive in the EU before late June or early July.
Australia ships about 7,000 metric tons of high-quality beef per year to the EU under the older “Hilton” quota, which is subject to a 20 percent customs import duty. It remains to be seen whether beef currently shipped under this quota from grass-fed cattle might be switched to the duty-free quota, or whether duty-free access to the EU will generate new business for Australia.
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U.S. Beef Showcased at Amsterdam HRI Event
USMEF recently joined forces with beef importer Nice to Meat for an educational session and tasting event at the Bloomingdale Beach Club near Amsterdam. Nearly 250 chefs, restaurant owners and suppliers to the region’s hotel, restaurant and institution (HRI) sector were in attendance for the program that was developed with support from the Beef Checkoff Program.
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Attendees receive a full demonstration on preparation and presentation of high-quality, dry-aged U.S. beef
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Attendees showed strong interest in dry-aging display cabinets that can be used to showcase U.S. beef for restaurant customers
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U.S. Consul General Julie Ruterbories delivered the event’s opening remarks, followed by introductory information on U.S. beef from USMEF-Europe Director John Brook and Mikel Pouw, owner and CEO of Nice to Meat.
The middle meat steak cuts presented at the event were dry-aged ribeyes and striploins. Flank steaks, value cuts from shoulder clod and U.S. beef burgers were also featured.
Nice to Meat is developing a turnkey steakhouse concept, whereby anyone who wants to open a steakhouse can source everything they need from one supplier. In addition to the beef supply and meat broilers, this package may also include dry-aging cabinets that will display the beef to restaurant customers.
“The feedback at and immediately following the event has been very encouraging,” Brook said. “The HRI representatives felt that showcasing high-quality, dry-aged beef for their customers is a great way to differentiate the product. We’ve had several contracts signed for the broilers and display cabinets, and an excellent response overall.”
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