Canada Expands Export Opportunities for Beef and Pork to Nicaragua

Beginning today, Canadian livestock producers will benefit from more export opportunities in the Americas. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Ed Fast announced today that Nicaragua has approved imports of beef and pork from Canada. "Our government understands that opening new markets to increase exports of our world-class beef and pork creates jobs and economic growth," said Minister Ritz. "Every international market opened means more dollars returning to the farm gate and another great opportunity for our livestock
producers."

Statement by Ministers Fast and Ritz on the WTO decision regarding U.S. compliance with the Country of Origin Labeling by May 2013

The World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitrator decided today that the United States has until May 23, 2013, to bring its Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) measure into compliance with its WTO obligations. International Trade Minister Ed Fast and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued the following statement in response: “Our Government has stood firm with our cattle and hog producers against the unfair country-of-origin labelling of the U.S. The WTO Appellate Body has recognized the integrated nature of the North American supply chain and marked a clear win for our livestock industry.”

Canada Joins Trans-Pacific Partnership Round

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada has officially joined the latest round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade negotiations, now under way in Auckland, New Zealand. “Our government is focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for workers and families in every region of Canada,” said Minister Fast. “That is why we are opening new markets for our exporters throughout the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. Canada will be a strong voice at the TPP negotiating table, and we look forward to working productively with all TPP members to advance Canadian interests and achieve our shared objectives.”

Harper Government Provides Tax Deferrals to More Livestock Producers

More livestock producers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec will have financial breathing room to help them cope with the effects of extremely dry growing conditions on forage yields. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that the list of designated areas eligible for tax deferrals has been expanded. “Our Government understands the difficulties faced by livestock producers due to unforeseen weather and we are acting,” said Minister Ritz. “With this tax deferral, producers in another 34 drought-affected municipalities will be able to redirect money towards restocking next year.”