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Mexico and Barbados open to Canadian breeding cattle

February 25, 2008

OTTAWA- The Government of Mexico today announced they will now allow the import of breeding cattle in addition to Canada’s current access for beef and beef products, and that revised conditions for export of breeding cattle to Barbados have been accepted.

The news was welcomed by the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics.

"This is good news for Canadian livestock exporters and an important step in restoring market access with all of our trading partners," said Minister Ritz. "Working hard to restore export markets for our livestock producers is one more way this Government is putting farmers first. This government remains committed to resolving market access issues for beef and cattle, based on sound science, to create opportunities for Canadian industry and farm families."

"The government welcomes Mexico’s decision to expand our market access to include breeding cattle and Barbados` revision of conditions for exports of breeding cattle, said Minister Emerson. "This is excellent news for our cattle industry and another important step in our ongoing efforts to restore full market access in beef and cattle with all of our trading partners."

Mexico and Barbados join a growing number of countries that have resumed trade in live cattle with Canada.

Canadian products now approved for export to Mexico include beef derived from animals under 30 months of age and dairy and beef breeding cattle. Access for Barbados now includes the full range of Canadian beef products and all breeding cattle.

Canada continues to work with trading partners to pursue full access for exports of animals and animal products, consistent with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health.