Canadian Beef Industry Energized Over Canada/European Trade Agreement

Industry prepared for potential opportunities

CALGARY, Oct. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada Beef is celebrating the announcement of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union (EU), which was finalized and announced October 18^th, giving the Canadian beef industry broader trade access in European export markets.

The European market holds great opportunity for Canadian beef and veal, with the potential for 64,950 tonnes of duty-free market access for Canadian beef and veal worth over $600 million. Discussions around CETA have been ongoing since 2009, and reported breakthroughs on meat and dairy issues in September have allowed Canada and the EU to move forward and finalize the agreement.

"Canada's beef and veal marketers value the significant efforts of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, International Trade Minister Edward Fast and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Gerry Ritz and are grateful for the work that's been done to gain additional trade opportunities for our industry and open doors to optimize the value of the Canadian beef brand globally," said Rob Meijer, President of Canada Beef.

"We also recognize the efforts of the industry's trade policy organizations such as the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance for their role in promoting the needs of trade-reliant sectors during the trade negotiation process," adds Meijer.

Since 1997, Canadian beef has been included in the Hilton quota which is limited to high grading beef finished on high energy ration, has had a duty rate of 20 per cent on 14,950 tonnes of beef shared with the United States.  Under CETA, the duty rate for Canada's Hilton quota will be reduced from 20 per cent to zero.  Two new duty free quotas will make up the remaining 50,000 tonnes.

Canada also continues to have access to export an additional 45,000 tonnes of beef to the EU through the Global quota, to which Canada will continue to have shared access with other suppliers.

Beef and veal from Canada are well known internationally for high quality and safety, and international consumers are demanding premium products like Canadian beef.

"Canada Beef is positioned to work with our trade partners to take advantage of the new export opportunities in Europe.  We are committed to the Canadian beef brand and will continue to foster strong partnerships in Europe to increase demand for our beef," added Meijer.

Additionally, Canada will gain unlimited duty free access to the EU with live cattle, genetics, most offals, tallow and rendered products, processed beef products and hides and skins effective immediately.

Canada Beef 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, and Taiwan.  Canada Beef works to foster loyalty to the Canadian beef brand and build strong relationships with trade customers and partners.  These efforts increase demand for Canadian beef and the value producers receive for their cattle.

SOURCE: Canada Beef Inc.

Rob Meijer
President
[phone]

Ron Glaser
Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Operations
[phone], ext 206