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Ranchers.net

CANADA AND SAUDI ARABIA AGREE TO REOPEN BEEF MARKET



RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, February 17, 2009 - Canadian beef exporters will have
access to the lucrative Saudi Arabian market for the first time since 2003.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement today following his
meeting with Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Bin
Ahmed Zeinal Alireza in Riyadh.



"Step by step this Government is reopening markets to Canadian beef
producers," said Minister Ritz. "Canadian producers want to make their
living in the marketplace and we're leveling the playing field to give the
industry the opportunities it needs to be stable and profitable."



Saudi Arabia was Canada's sixth largest market for exports of beef prior to
a BSE-related ban imposed in 2003. Today's agreement reopens the Saudi
Arabian market to Canadian boneless beef exports from animals under thirty
months of age. Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to continue extensive
negotiations with the goal of fully reopening access for Canadian beef
exports.



The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates that full market access to Saudi
Arabia would allow Canadian beef exporters to re-establish previous export
levels worth nearly $6 million.



Minister Ritz was in Saudi Arabia as part of a Middle East mission to create
and expand new marketing opportunities for Canadian producers. During his
visit to Riyadh, Minister Ritz met key importers and Saudi government
ministers. Minister Ritz and his counterpart Agriculture Minister H.E. Dr.
Fahd Bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim directed officials to resolve market access
issues.



Today's announcement follows an agreement that gives Canadian beef exporters
full access to the Jordanian market. When visiting the country's capital of
Amman this week, Minister Ritz will thank the Jordanian Government for
reopening its market to Canadian beef and reiterate Canada's commitment to
working with Jordan on the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.



The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates that the value of Canadian beef
exports to Jordan could rise to as much as $1 million annually.



Minister Ritz will also travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next week
where he will attend the Gulfood Show in Dubai. Gulfood is the largest food
industry exhibition in the Middle East where Canadian exporters connect with
Middle East buyers. He will meet Canadian firms that are participating in
the show, as well as UAE importers and Government officials.



-30-



For more information, media may contact:



Media Relations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Ottawa, Ontario

613-759-7972

Good news on a frosty morning!

CA
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