OTTAWA, ONTARIO - 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’ market is now open for Canadian exports of live cattle, sheep and goats,” said Min­ister Ritz. “Step by step, market by market, the Harper Government is working closely with industry to increase market access for Cana­da’s safe, high quality products, in turn driving profitability for our producers and growing our econ­omy.”

“Canada welcomes this deci­sion by the Philippines. This is yet another win for Canadian workers and producers and their families,” said Minister Fast. “Our govern­ment understands the importance for our farmers and producers to gain access to new markets. We will continue to work on their be­half because we know that free and open trade is the best way to create jobs and prosperity for hardworking Canadians.”

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.

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