Harper Government Restores Market Access for Canadian Beef to Peru

Canadian beef producers will benefit from newly restored market access to Peru, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced today. Effective immediately, the Peruvian market has been reopened for Canadian bone-in beef under 30 months of age, boneless beef of all ages, and offal. "This restored access shows how our Government is working with industry to give Canada's beef producers the ability to make their money from the marketplace, not the mailbox," said Minister Ritz. "The Harper Government will continue to help farmers and processors find more market opportunities by opening, reopening, and expanding export markets around the world." This is the first time since 2003 that Canadian beef can be exported to this important market, after it was closed due to BSE.

International Trade Minister Ed Fast Concludes Successful Trade Mission to Russia

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today concluded a trade mission to Russia, on which he was accompanied by nearly 30 Canadian companies in the fields of construction and building products, aerospace and mining. The mission was aimed at opening new markets that will grow Canada’s economy and benefit workers within those sectors. In his first year as international trade minister, Minister Fast has led trade missions to all of the “BRIC” countries—Brazil, Russia, India and China.

CFIA now recognizes accreditation by Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises laboratories that it now recognizes accreditation by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA). The association signed an agreement with the agency in March 2012. This recognition offers a choice in accrediting bodies for laboratories that want to provide services to the CFIA or have their results accepted by the CFIA. "The CFIA is pleased to recognize CALA as an acceptable accreditation body for laboratories that are carrying out testing of food, feed and fertilizer," said Dr. Martine Dubuc, Vice-President of Science, CFIA. "We look forward to seeing the benefits this partnership brings to the CFIA and the greater laboratory community."

Government of Canada Takes Action to Strengthen Food Inspection

The Government of Canada announced today that it is developing a stronger, more comprehensive inspection approach to further strengthen food safety in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking input from stakeholders on ways that Canada's science-based inspection system can be enhanced. "We already have a top-tier food safety system but our goal is to be the best," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Simply put, we want Canadians to have the safest food in the world. That is why we are seeking input from consumers, inspectors, food safety experts, industry and everyone who has a role to play in food safety."