New Beef Agreement Announced Between Canada and China
With Canadian beef headed to China, U.S. beef industry is watching situation closely.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jun 25, 2010
The U.S. Meat Export Federation is interested to see what a new agreement to open China to Canadian beef will mean for U.S. beef. USMEF estimates the value of the Chinese market for U.S. beef exports to be upwards of $200 million dollars. Noting that Canada and the U.S. have received the same controlled risk designation from the World Organization for Animal Health, USMEF says its officials will be watching for final details of the Canada-China agreement.
Early reports indicate the agreement will be a staged process starting with access for beef from cattle under 30 months of age as well as beef tallow for industrial use. It's a solution that appears to be fashioned in recognition of the needs and expectations of China. The Canadian government made restoring beef access to key export markets a top priority on its foreign trade agenda.
National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Steve Fogelsong issued a statement in response to the announcement saying the U.S. needs to work harder to keep from being outpaced and outhustled by competing nations, putting American jobs and market share at risk.
"China is thwarting us almost across the board on animal agriculture trade issues, while the level of U.S. engagement has been poor at best," Fogelsong said. "Over the past three years, and two administrations, we've seen little progress in opening the Chinese market to U.S. beef. While the Administration has said this is a priority, they have failed to take action, despite the fact that China represents one of the largest potential growth markets for our industry"
Fogelsong says that with 96% of the world's consumers living outside of the U.S. the ability to sell into the international marketplace is critical to keeping American family farms in business.
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Tagged: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, animal health
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