Canadian beef can access market immediately
Ottawa, Ontario, January 20, 2012 - Tremendous news for Canadian cattle producers and processors has come early in the new year, announced Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast. Starting today, Canadian beef under 30 months of age can re-enter the South Korean market.
"For the first time in nearly a decade, Canadian beef can be exported again to what was our fourth-largest market, South Korea", said Minister Ritz. "Improved trade with South Korea is a priority for the Canadian agriculture industry and the South Korean Government's co-operation in restoring access to Canadian beef will further strengthen trade relations between our two countries."
"Our government understands the importance of trade to the jobs and livelihoods of hardworking Canadians and their families, and the importance of helping our farmers and producers access global markets," said Minister Fast. "That's why we have consistently fought for fair and open access for our producers and exporters around the world, and against unscientific trade restrictions on Canadian products. Our government has worked tirelessly to ensure the Korean market is re-opened to high-quality Canadian beef, and the Korean Government's decision to restore access is the direct result of these efforts."
The South Korean Government today published their approval of the Import Health Requirements (IHRs) and notified the Government of Canada that all certification conditions are in place, meaning exports can commence from the Canadian beef establishments approved for export.
Canada has worked tirelessly - governments and industry together - to reopen the market. This work included an earlier request for a World Trade Organization (WTO) Panel, based on science and the safety and quality of Canadian beef, which is shipped world wide.
The Canadian beef industry estimates that this restored market access could mean more than $30 million for Canadian producers by 2015. South Korea is the last significant Asian market to lift the ban after the 2003 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
