New EU Beef Access Paying Off For Canadian Producers
CANADA - Canada Gold Beef has shipped 120 metric tonnes of Canadian hormone-free beef, worth over $1.5 million, to European Union (EU) markets this year since the Government of Canada negotiated new duty-free access. Shipments are expected to continue at the same pace for the foreseeable future.
15 March 2011
2 minute read
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz congratulated the company for its success in responding to a market opportunity made possible by the new duty-free access for Canadian beef announced last November. In January, Minister Ritz also led a trade mission to Europe and showcased Canadian beef and other world-class Canadian food products to international buyers and media.
"It's great to see Canadian producers and processors gaining sales and driving Canada's economy," said Minister Ritz. "This Government will continue to level the playing field and lower trade barriers so our producers can compete in global markets and continue to deliver their top quality product that keeps customers coming back for more."
"Our Government is focused on opening new markets for Canadians," said International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan. "The European Union is Canada's second largest trading partner. Securing access for Canada's beef and cattle in this market is great news for the industry and highlights our Government's commitment to expanding access for Canadian products to key markets."
Canada Gold Beef Inc., a company based in Alberta, is a value-added marketing organisation supplying premium branded beef products to both domestic and international markets.
"Canada Gold is pleased to see that we have this new access and appreciates the Government's work in making this happen. There is still some work ahead of us, but we would see the EU as a high-value market with a great future for Canadian beef," said Frank Goetz, President and CEO of Canada Gold.
"The European market represents a great opportunity for producers to sell more Canadian beef. Removal of the tariff will now allow us to better compete with other exporting nations. Europe will be a growing market for us," said Dr Christoph Weder of Spirit View Ranch who recently participated at a marketing event featuring Canadian beef in Brussels with Minister Ritz and Mr Goetz.
The EU is one of Canada's largest international markets for agriculture exports. In 2009, Canadian agriculture exports to the EU were valued at $2.5 billion. It is estimated that the new duty-free access for beef could be worth more than $10 million a year for Canada.
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