October 18, 2010

Indonesia relaxes restrictions on Canadian agriculture imports

Shipments of wheat from Canada will not have to undergo additional and costly testing when arriving at Indonesian ports, as the country has agreed to recognise Canada's food quality-control system, federal agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said Friday (Oct 15).

The Canadian Wheat Board, which expects to export about CAD300 million (US$295 million) worth of wheat to Indonesia - one of its top five customers - this year, said the nation had recently imposed stricter controls on plant imports.

An agreement has also been signed with Indonesia to remove trade barriers on Canadian products including seed potatoes, goats and sheep livestock and genetics. Indonesia will use Canada's animal health expertise to build its cattle testing capacity.

The minister was in the region for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Agricultural meeting last week, and also held discussions with Japan about greater access for Canadian beef.