November 25, 2008
Canadian beef group looks to open more market access
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association has come up with a plan for increasing market access for Canadian beef.
The plan encourages the federal government to invest in increasing market access as only two of Canada's top markets have fully lifted market restrictions regarding BSE.
The Canadian beef sector is currently losing over US$100 per head due to lost markets, which brings to about US$500 million per year, according to John Masswohl, Director of International Relations.
The plan also calls for a vice-president for market access in the CFIA and a Cabinet committee on market access.
Masswohl said the industry hopes to increase the profile of Canada as a leading beef producer.
The association estimates that implementation of the plan could lead to US$6.3 billion worth of beef exports by 2015.
