January 20, 2014

Costa Rica was declared free of swine flu, which for local producers means they now have open doors for exporting pork to Japan, as announced by Japanese Agriculture Ministry.

Costa Rica's National Animal Health Service Assistant Director Alexis Sandí said the certification process began in July 2012 and the Japanese health authorities' approval occurred faster than expected.

Costa Rica's Agriculture and Livestock Minister Gloria Abraham highlighted efforts by the ministry's pork commission in earning the approval.

"A country capable of selling to Japan is capable of selling anywhere in the world. Japanese requirements are among the highest," Abraham said.

The next step for Tico pork producers is to conduct market research to identify local companies interested in exporting their products to Japan.

Costa Rica signed a trade agreement to export pork to China last year. Negotiations took place in early June during a visit to the Central American country by Chinese President Xi Jinping.