by Government of Canada Newsroom Today 11/13/2004 7:53:12 AM
Cattle Update - Progress Continues in Asian Markets For Canadian Beef
OTTAWA, November 12, 2004 -- A very important step has been achieved towards the re-opening of a key Asian market. Taiwan has confirmed its intention to conditionally grant Canada access for boneless beef and committed to send a technical team for a first-hand look at Canada's food safety and animal health measures. Results from that visit could lead to a re-opening of the Taiwanese market in the near future.
"The continued progress being made in Asia is extremely positive for the Canadian beef industry," said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell. "It is a reflection of the intense efforts and ongoing discussions taking place to re-enforce the stringent measures we have in place to ensure the safety of our beef."
A Taiwanese Department of Health committee looking at the issue commended the food safety measures Canada has put in place, and cited Canada's animal feed controls, BSE surveillance program and cattle identification/traceability system as key factors in its recommendation. As part of the process of market opening, inspectors from Taiwan will visit Canada to tour packing plants, a slaughterhouse, a feed mill, a cattle ranch and a testing facility conducting BSE surveillance. They will also receive an on-site explanation of Canada's cattle identification system.
Prior to Taiwan's ban on imports of Canadian beef, Taiwan was Canada's fifth largest export market for beef and one of our fastest-growing markets. In 2002, Canadian exports of beef to Taiwan totaled almost $20 million.
The planned visit by Taiwanese inspectors follows a similar inspection mission conducted by Hong Kong officials in late October as part of their process to reconsider their current import restrictions. Hong Kong officials are currently reviewing results of that mission.
Progress is also being made in Japan. A recent meeting between Canadian and Japanese officials in Tokyo reconfirmed their commitment to continue technical-level discussions and exchanges of information aimed at starting two-way trade in beef and beef products. Japan also reconfirmed that when a final decision is made on resumption of trade in beef from North America, the same conditions will apply to both Canada and the United States.
Expanding access to export markets for beef and other animal products is a key element of the Repositioning the Livestock Industry Strategy announced on September 10. Since that time, the Government of Canada has made important inroads in Asia, including the signing of two protocols with China during a visit by Minister Mitchell in October. Those protocols will facilitate the re-opening of that market for Canadian bovine semen and embryos.
Cattle Update - Progress Continues in Asian Markets For Canadian Beef
OTTAWA, November 12, 2004 -- A very important step has been achieved towards the re-opening of a key Asian market. Taiwan has confirmed its intention to conditionally grant Canada access for boneless beef and committed to send a technical team for a first-hand look at Canada's food safety and animal health measures. Results from that visit could lead to a re-opening of the Taiwanese market in the near future.
"The continued progress being made in Asia is extremely positive for the Canadian beef industry," said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell. "It is a reflection of the intense efforts and ongoing discussions taking place to re-enforce the stringent measures we have in place to ensure the safety of our beef."
A Taiwanese Department of Health committee looking at the issue commended the food safety measures Canada has put in place, and cited Canada's animal feed controls, BSE surveillance program and cattle identification/traceability system as key factors in its recommendation. As part of the process of market opening, inspectors from Taiwan will visit Canada to tour packing plants, a slaughterhouse, a feed mill, a cattle ranch and a testing facility conducting BSE surveillance. They will also receive an on-site explanation of Canada's cattle identification system.
Prior to Taiwan's ban on imports of Canadian beef, Taiwan was Canada's fifth largest export market for beef and one of our fastest-growing markets. In 2002, Canadian exports of beef to Taiwan totaled almost $20 million.
The planned visit by Taiwanese inspectors follows a similar inspection mission conducted by Hong Kong officials in late October as part of their process to reconsider their current import restrictions. Hong Kong officials are currently reviewing results of that mission.
Progress is also being made in Japan. A recent meeting between Canadian and Japanese officials in Tokyo reconfirmed their commitment to continue technical-level discussions and exchanges of information aimed at starting two-way trade in beef and beef products. Japan also reconfirmed that when a final decision is made on resumption of trade in beef from North America, the same conditions will apply to both Canada and the United States.
Expanding access to export markets for beef and other animal products is a key element of the Repositioning the Livestock Industry Strategy announced on September 10. Since that time, the Government of Canada has made important inroads in Asia, including the signing of two protocols with China during a visit by Minister Mitchell in October. Those protocols will facilitate the re-opening of that market for Canadian bovine semen and embryos.
