Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has given her support to NFU Scotland’s calls to reopen the market for Scotch beef to Japan. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “The potential beef market in Japan is significant and one which if the ban is lifted presents the opportunity to help take forward the industry in Scotland and across the UK. “It is my understanding that the Japanese Food Safety Commission recommended easing restrictions on beef imports to allow animals 30 months and younger to be imported. The recommendation could be implemented early in 2013. “Scottish farmers produce some of the best Scotch beef in the world and I hope that if the market is reopened and that early moves are made to promote Scotch beef as the US are already looking to capture Japanese market share.”