Canada is to resume beef exports from 19 EU member states, including the UK and Ireland, which was closed since 1996, when Canada introduced import restrictions due to BSE concerns.
"It will provide a welcome boost to Europe's beef producers and exporters, particularly as it comes at a time when farmers across the EU are going through a particularly difficult period," said the EU Commission.
"Work is ongoing between the Commission - in close cooperation with the EU Member States - and the Canadian authorities to re-establish meat trade from the EU Member States that do not have access to the Canadian market yet.
This move also forms part of a growing trend to recognise the robust, comprehensive and successful measures put in place by the EU to eradicate BSE. We call on our few remaining international trading partners who still maintain restrictive measures, to fully adopt recognised international standards."
The work preceding this reopening has been conducted in the context of the Veterinary Agreement that the EU and Canada have had in place since 1998. Canada's assessment of the EU meat inspection system included an audit of four EU Member States.
The recognition of the single entity by a significant trading partner is an important boost for trade negotiations with other countries outside the EU. The Commission is seeking that a similar approach be adopted by other trading partners.
