Washington, D.C. - In anticipation of the official announcement Saturday from South Korea’s President about the reopening of the country’s borders to U.S. beef, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., commented on the importance of South Korea’s beef market to Wyoming ranchers.

“I applaud South Korea’s decision to finally accept American beef back into their country.  The science has always been there – we have the safest and best beef in the world,” Enzi said.  “Full market access to South Korea will be a boost for Wyoming ranchers should the South Korean government follow through on its commitment.”

“U.S. beef producers set the standard for excellence in the world,” Barrasso said. “Today’s decision is a victory for Wyoming ranchers. South Korea is an important export market for Wyoming beef. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will continue to work to open more markets for Wyoming products.”

South Korea was the third largest beef market for the U.S. up until 2003 when the South Korean government banned imports of U.S. beef after a Canadian-born cow in Washington state tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  An official announcement of the market reopening is expected from South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and President Bush at Camp David Saturday afternoon.