Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that Argentina meets the sanitary standards for the certification of poultry meat shipments to Canada. So far this year, food produced in Argentina has gained access to 18 new markets, including the Canadian market.
Within the framework of the Argentine Government's strategy to increase the presence of Argentine products in international markets, the Ministry of Agro-industry of the Argentine Republic, alongside the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the National Service of Agri-food Health and Quality (SENASA), worked on the trade and sanitary negotiations with the Canadian authorities which led to the opening of the Canadian market for poultry meat and products.
The Argentine Foreign Minister, Jorge Faurie, expressed his satisfaction at "taking this major step, which will strengthen trade with Canada. It also further demonstrates the successful joint work carried out by the Argentine Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Agro-industry and SENASA in order to expedite the access of high quality and high value-added Argentine products to international markets. We continue to fulfil President Macri's mandate to grow, export and serve as the breadbasket of the world."
"The fact that international markets continue to open their doors to us means that Argentina is regaining the trust of buyers, as a result of its commitment and the quality of its food," stated the Ministry of Agro-industry, Ricardo Buryaile, adding that "this sanitary approval of the Canadian market is an outcome eagerly awaited by the Argentine poultry meat sector, given that it will increase the volume of value-added shipments."
Argentina must now send a list of authorized businesses interested in exporting to Canada. The CFIA will then have 4 working days to publish the list on its website. As of that moment, the list of authorized businesses will be officially confirmed.
Canada imports approximately 70,000 tons of poultry meat per annum, its main suppliers being the United States, Thailand and Brazil. Argentina is very competitive in this sector at a global level, considering its excellent sanitary status as a country free from avian influenza and Newcastle disease.
Last November, at a meeting held in Buenos Aires between the President of the Argentine Republic, Mauricio Macri, and the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, both chief executives identified the sectors in which economic and trade relations, as well as investment flows, would be strengthened. The poultry meat sector was singled out by Argentina as a priority in achieving market openness.
Argentina's agro-industry product exports to Canada amount to a total of USD 165 million, among which stand out wines, citrus fruit, pears, apples, blueberries, essential oils and fruit juices. An increase in exports to Canada is expected for next year as a result of the opening of the poultry meat market.
Press release No. 446/17
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