China has authorized beef imports from four additional facilities in Canada, a move which will strengthen the Canadian beef export market.
The facilities that can export beef to China are Les Viandes Laroche (Asbestos, Quebec), Ryding Regency Meat Packers (Toronto, Ontario), St. Helen's Meat Packers Limited (Toronto, Ontario), and Canadian Premium Meats (Lacombe, Alberta).
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said that this development sets the stage to further trade opportunities in China for the beef producers.
"Our government's top priority remains the economy, and by expanding markets in dynamic countries like China, we are helping Canadian producers increase their bottom line, which leads to more jobs, prosperity, and economic growth," Ritz added.
In June 2011, China entered into an agreement to allow imports of Canadian deboned beef from animals under 30 months of age (UTM), making Canada the first BSE-affected country to resume trade of beef with China.
The Chinese market for Canadian UTM deboned beef is estimated at about $20m annually. Once full market access is achieved, the Chinese market for Canadian beef and cattle is expected to be worth $110m.
