Canada Beef Inc. welcomes Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement

Positive step for the Canadian beef industry in Japan

CALGARY, March 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada Beef Inc. welcomes Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement of the Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, opening free trade negotiations with Japan.  This is an extremely important step in allowing full market access for Canadian beef in Japan.    Canada's beef and veal industry is grateful for the hard work of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, International Trade Minister Ed Fast and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Canadian Government for their continuing work in creating greater market access for Canadian beef and veal.

"We are extremely pleased by the announcement made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement," says Brad Wildeman, Chair of Canada Beef Inc.  "Japanese customers will benefit from expanded access to Canada's safe, high quality beef and Canada's cattle producers and our beef industry will greatly benefit from increased trade with Japan."

Japan's borders closed to Canadian beef after Canada's first case of BSE in May 2003.  By December 2005, Japan had eased the ban it imposed on Canada, by allowing boneless and bone-in beef and offal derived from cattle under 21 months of age.   International standards had not suggested that such restrictions be placed.  On December 9^th, 2011, the Government of Canada announced that Japan was reviewing its domestic and import regulations for beef, hopefully leading to expanded access for Canadian beef in Japan.

"Today's announcement of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement is great news for Canada's beef and veal industry," says Rob Meijer, President of Canada Beef Inc.  "We're hopeful this will ultimately lead to Japan allowing full market access to Canadian beef.  This would mean a significant increase in the premium value and volume of exports."  In 2010 Canada's exports of beef to Japan was worth $81.4 million. Modest projections show that full market access could exceed 20,000 tonnes valued at $125 million dollars annually.

As part of its commitment to growing market opportunities for Canadian beef and veal producers, Canada Beef Inc. has a strong presence in Japan, maintaining and developing relationships with key industry partners and supporters of the Canadian beef and veal industry.

"Canadian beef and veal is well known internationally for its high quality and we look forward to continuing to meet Japan's demand for premium quality Canadian beef and veal," says Meijer.  "Our partners in Japan recognize the value Canadian beef brings to their business, and their customers love the quality and taste of Canadian beef."

Canada Beef Inc. is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development.  It has offices in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea.

Brad Wildeman
Chairman
Canada Beef Inc.
[phone]

Rob Meijer
President
Canada Beef Inc.
[phone]

Ron Glaser
VP, Corporate Affairs and Operations
Canada Beef Inc.
[phone]