Canada Continues Pressing to Re-Open Korean
Market to Canadian Beef Exporters
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Last update: 4:45 p.m. EST Nov. 10, 2008
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Nov 10, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via
COMTEX) -- The Government of Canada is continuing to work hard to re-open the
Korean market to our world-class Canadian beef. Based on science and
international standards, the Canadian beef industry has a strong case and we
are committed to regaining market access for Canadian exporters.
"The quality and safety of Canadian beef is recognized
around the world," said Canada's
Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz. "We are committed to providing our
exporters with every possible opportunity and we are working to resume trade to
Korea
as soon as possible."
Canadian and Korean veterinary officials held technical
negotiations November 3-4, 2008, aimed at moving toward an agreement on the
import requirements for Canadian beef. Restoring market access will allow
Korean consumers to access safe, high-quality Canadian beef and beef products
at competitive prices.
Korean officials will be visiting Canada
later this month to conduct on-site visits to Canadian beef slaughter
facilities to see first hand the effectiveness of Canada's food safety and animal
health safeguards.
Korea
banned imports of Canadian beef in May 2003, after bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in a Canadian cow. Prior to that point, Korea
represented the fourth-largest market for Canadian beef, with $50 million in
annual sales.
In May 2007, the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE) officially categorized Canada
as a Controlled Risk country for BSE, meaning the standards implemented in Canada meet the
requirements for safe trade in a broad range of commodities.
Contacts:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-228-6682
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Media Relations
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
The Office of the Honourable Gerry
Ritz
Margaux Stastny
Press Secretary
613-759-1059
SOURCE: Canadian Food Inspection Agency