Qatar has given its approval for all beef imports from Canada, effective immediately, which will offer producers greater opportunities in the Gulf region.
The agreement came about following a concerted effort by the government of Canada to create more export opportunities for its producers with the Gulf Cooperation Council, one of the world’s wealthiest associations of countries, which also includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, industry estimates are that the Qatari market for Canadian beef and veal could be worth up to CA$2m annually.
Meanwhile, Honduras has restored market access for Canadian livestock producers. Access to the Central American country was restricted in 2003, due to due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Henry Mizrahi, president of the Canadian Meat Council, said: "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."
In a joint statement, Michael Latimer, executive director, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, and Michael Hall, executive director Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, added: "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."