Colombia has become the first South American country to accept Canadian cattle since the 2003 BSE case.
On April 9, trade minister Peter Van Loan announced that Colombia was immediately allowing import of younger than 30 months cattle. Agreement in principle came almost a year ago when agriculture minister Gerry Ritz visited and won Colombian approval of a process to verify the safety of Canadian beef.
In January, Colombia said it accepted the results of Canada’s food inspection and safety system.
The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates the Colombian market will be worth $6 million annually.
In a news release, Van Loan suggested it could set a precedent for other countries in the region.
“This is great news for our cattle industry as we continue to work to ensure full access to important markets across the Americas,” he said.
Some opposition MPs are holding up the legislation to implement a Canada-Columbia free trade agreement citing human rights abuses in Colombia
Van Loan said if approved and implemented, the deal would eliminate duties on such agricultural exports as live cattle, wheat, barley, lentils, peas and some beef cuts.
