July 22, 2015 –Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast, announced today that the Government of Canada has opened the Ukrainian market for beef (from cattle under 30 months) and ready-to-eat meat. This new market access marks a significant milestone for Canada following the lifting of Ukraine's ban on Canadian beef products in 2014. Ukraine's global imports of beef products in 2014 were $17.1 million.
Canadian beef and ready-to-eat meat establishments eligible for export to the European Union are immediately granted access to the Ukrainian market. The Government of Canada is working closely with Ukraine to expand the number of establishments that are eligible to export, pending inspections from Ukrainian authorities.
Last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, announced the successful conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement will result in the elimination of the vast majority of Ukraine's agricultural tariffs, including Canada's beef, pork, pulses, grains, canola oil, processed foods, and animal feed.
These achievements in increasing trade with Ukraine are an example of the Government's commitment to increasing opportunities for Canadian exporters in international markets, pursuant to Canada's Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP).
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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