Report No.240103

NEWS

- Domestic -

MAFF Launches Comprehensive Measures to Protect Genetic Resources of Wagyu

The Livestock Genetic Resources Protection Study Group of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) put together a first of its kind comprehensive set of measures to internationally protect the brand of Japanese Wagyu [indigenous Japanese breeds of cattle] on August 3. Main pillars of the measures include 1) the promotion of research on genes, 2) reinforced distribution control on Wagyu semen and, 3) labeling. The measures are designed for thorough implementation of distribution control to prevent unlawful distribution of semen of Wagyu, and for promotion of patent acquisition of genes unique to Wagyu cattle. They will also make labeling at shops of the name of Wagyu more stringent to limit the use of the name strictly to beef from cattle born in the country.

The measures also envisage setting up of a research consultation body which will be charged with making analysis of genes and elucidation of their function aimed at acquiring patents for genes that are unique to Wagyu such as palatability, marbling and flavor of their beef. "Important base arrays of DNA have already been found that show the physical characteristics inherent upon Wagyu," says an official at MAFF's Agricultural Production Bureau, indicating that they are rushing on the research for patent acquisition of genes.

The measures will also prevent unlawful export of Wagyu semen to overseas destination by printing barcodes on semen stocking straws and thereby getting grips of the situation of their distribution. Measures for using the name Wagyu on labels will allow only Wagyu born in Japan to be labeled as such based on the Beef Traceability Law (which provides for a system of tracing the history of production and distribution.)

MAFF will incorporate a necessary sum of money in its outline budget request for FY2007, and will also take procedural steps to make changes to ministerial ordinances.

Key Points of the Measures to Protect Genetic Resources of Wagyu

Main items	Explanation
Consolidation of the structure for acquisition and utilization of patents for genes of Wagyu	Research institutes and researchers from all over the country pull together and collaborate in sequencing of base arrays of specific genome and in elucidating their function.
Reinforced distribution control on Wagyu semen	Print barcodes on semen straws and thereby get grips of the situation of their distribution.
Stringent labeling	Allow only Wagyu born in Japan to be labeled as such based on the Beef Traceability Law
Consolidation of the structure for breed improvement and production	Reinforce breed improvement using the system of individual cattle identification and the national data base for cattle's dressed carcass.

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