Harper Government Creates More Export Opportunities for Canadian Beef and Livestock Producers

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2014) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast today announced that Canadian beef and livestock producers can now benefit from expanded export opportunities in two international markets.

Qatar has approved all beef imports from Canada, enabling Canadian beef producers to benefit from greater export opportunities in the Gulf region.. Effective immediately, Canadian beef producers and exporters can expand their sales into this market, benefiting Qatari consumers who will have access to Canada's safe, high-quality beef.

In addition, Canadian livestock producers can now benefit from restored market access for live cattle to Honduras following border restrictions in 2003 due to BSE. This marks another positive development building on the recent entry into force of the Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement.

Quick facts

• Industry estimates that the potential for the Qatari market for Canadian beef and veal could reach $2 million annually.
  
  

• This new opportunity to export beef to Qatar is the result of the Government of Canada's continued efforts to create more export opportunities for Canadian producers with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), one of the world's wealthiest associations of countries which also includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
  
  

• Canada and Honduras have a healthy and growing commercial relationship with 10 percent growth in merchandise trade between the two countries since 2007. In 2013, Canada's exports of goods to Honduras totalled $578 million, $88 million of which was agricultural goods (not including seafood).
  
  

• In 2013, Canada exported beef to 70 markets, for a total value of $1.3 billion.
  
  

Quotes

"Market by market, our Government is creating new economic opportunities for beef and livestock producers by opening and expanding our access to markets around the world. By increasing trade and ensuring producers can earn their living from the marketplace, we are creating more jobs, growth and prosperity for all Canadians."

- Gerry Ritz, Agriculture Minister

"Our Government is committed to creating the best conditions for Canadian businesses and exporters to succeed abroad. By securing market access for Canadian world-class products we're creating jobs and prosperity at home."

- Ed Fast, Trade Minister

"Not only does Qatar have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, Qatar imports more than 90% of its food requirements. The Canadian meat industry appreciates and welcomes the successful negotiation of full beef access to the Qatari market."

- Henry Mizrahi, Canadian Meat Council President

"The Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association recognize the ongoing support for the Canadian beef industry from both Minister Ritz and Minister Fast by opening new markets for Canadian cattle and genetics. Market access coupled with strategic investments are essential for the economic stability and profitability of Canadian cattle producers. Access to the Honduran market for live cattle provides an excellent framework for our members to build strong business relationships in that market and an additional avenue to demonstrate the safety and superior quality of Canadian cattle genetics to the world."

- Michael Latimer, Executive Director, Canadian Beef Breeds Council and Michael Hall, Executive Director Canadian Livestock Genetics Association

Additional links

- Harper Government Celebrates Most Successful Month for Trade and Investment in Canadian History

- Canada and Honduras Celebrate Entry into Force of Historic Free Trade Agreement

- Harper Government Creates More Export Opportunities for Livestock Producers to Qatar