Japan mulls intellectual property protection for 'wagyu' cattle genes
Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd
April 14, 2006
TOKYO (AP) - Japan is considering having the genes from four breeds of Japanese cattle declared a type of intellectual property to protect the product from mixed-breed imports, an official said Friday.
Japanese cattle, prized for their quality, are collectively termed "wagyu.''
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a specialist panel starting Tuesday to study the matter, including possible regulations over what could be labeled wagyu, said Masaaki Iino of the ministry's agricultural production bureau.
"People both in the government and the domestic livestock industry are considering such protections as a way to maintain the image of quality associated with Japanese beef,'' Iino said.
Only cattle from one of four breeds designated under the Japan Agricultural Standard Law are considered wagyu, Iino said.
Wagyu meat such as the famous "Kobe beef'' is noted for its tenderness, due to its thick streaks of fat.
In Japan, it is usually more expensive than imported meat.
The protections being considered might prevent cattle from being sold as wagyu in Japan if they are crossed with other types, the Asahi newspaper said Friday.
Iino declined to comment on the media reports.
thestar.com.my
Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd
April 14, 2006
TOKYO (AP) - Japan is considering having the genes from four breeds of Japanese cattle declared a type of intellectual property to protect the product from mixed-breed imports, an official said Friday.
Japanese cattle, prized for their quality, are collectively termed "wagyu.''
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a specialist panel starting Tuesday to study the matter, including possible regulations over what could be labeled wagyu, said Masaaki Iino of the ministry's agricultural production bureau.
"People both in the government and the domestic livestock industry are considering such protections as a way to maintain the image of quality associated with Japanese beef,'' Iino said.
Only cattle from one of four breeds designated under the Japan Agricultural Standard Law are considered wagyu, Iino said.
Wagyu meat such as the famous "Kobe beef'' is noted for its tenderness, due to its thick streaks of fat.
In Japan, it is usually more expensive than imported meat.
The protections being considered might prevent cattle from being sold as wagyu in Japan if they are crossed with other types, the Asahi newspaper said Friday.
Iino declined to comment on the media reports.
thestar.com.my
