Jamaica Opens Borders to Canadian Beef

JAMAICA - Jamaica has approved all imports of beef from Canada.
calendar icon 27 August 2014
clock icon 2 minute read

Canadian producers can immediately export beef to Jamaica, with full access now restored after the closure of this market in 2003 due to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

Canada Beef Inc. estimates that the Jamaican market for Canadian beef is annually worth roughly C$4.5 million, or 1.5 million pounds of beef.

Access to the Jamaican market aligns with the Government’s trade expansion goals in the Americas and is the result of its ongoing efforts to create new export opportunities for Canadian producers, while also growing prosperity in the Americas.

Jamaica is Canada’s second largest market for agricultural exports within the Caribbean region, only after Cuba, with 2013 agricultural exports to Jamaica totalling C$54 million.

Canada’s top agricultural exports to the Jamaican market include non durum wheat, frozen french fries, whey, pig fat and skim milk powder.

In 2013, Jamaica was Canada's sixth largest merchandise export market among the Caribbean countries (after Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Barbados and the Dominican Republic).

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (pictured) said: "Our Government continues to work with industry to open new markets to increase exports of our top–class beef. This new access gives Canadian producers another vibrant market for their product, increasing their competitiveness and growing our overall economy."

Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade said: "Our Government is working relentlessly to create the best environment for Canadian producers and exporters to succeed abroad. Opening markets for Canadian products creates jobs and prosperity right here at home."

Rob Meijer, President of Canada Beef Inc, said: "This achievement is yet another example of the attention and efforts our federal government has undertaken to pave the way for export market returns.

"Unfettered access to export markets provides Canadian beef and veal producers and industry a bright and prosperous future."

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