Canadian Cattle, Sheep and Goat Producers Gain Market Access to Philippines

Ottawa, Ontario, January 24, 2012 - Canadian cattle, sheep and goat producers will benefit from new access to yet another international market. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced today that the Government of Canada has secured live ruminant market access to the Philippines.

The Philippines imports $9 million annually worth of cattle and nearly $300,000 of sheep and goats. Canadian producers now have the ability to compete for sales in this market. This new market access further strengthens the trade relationship between Canada and the Philippines. The Philippines is an important commercial market for Canada, importing more than $235 million worth of Canadian agricultural and agri-food products in 2010.

Following the announcement made last week that Canadian beef under 30 months of age can re-enter the South Korean market, today's announcement demonstrates the continued efforts of the Harper Government to diversify international markets and maximize trade opportunities for the benefit of Canadian producers.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332