Negotiations to throw open the South Korean market to US beef started on Friday for the first time since last October.

They believe a much bigger priority is ridding their country of bird flu.

According to officials, South Korea is willing to import US bone-in beef but wish to keep the ban on beef from cattle older than 30 months of age.

However, now farm groups in Korea are questioning the talks that could re-write import rules for US beef as the two countries seek a bilateral free trade deal.

Leaders from Korean beef, dairy and swine groups expressed their concerns to Agriculture Minister, Chung Woon-chun.

Nam Ho-kyung, a leader of the country's beef association, says the government should be working to control bird flu rather than working on a beef settlement with the US.

He also expressed concern the talks were being held on the eve of a visit to Washington by new South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak.

"The negotiations that kicked off on Friday may be construed as an effort by the government to offer a summit gift to Washington," Mr Nam says.

Meanwhile a fourth case of bird flu has been confirmed in South Korea requiring the destruction of more than 470,000 chickens. The total number of birds that have been destroyed result of outbreaks in South Korea this year is more than 1.3 million.

* From Farm Progress, Fairfax Media's farm publishing arm in the US.