OTTAWA, Ontario – Peru has reopened its market to Canadian beef, according to Canada’s Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

Peru has agreed to allow imports of Canadian bone-in beef under age 30 months, boneless beef of all ages and offal. This marks the first time since 2003 that Canadian beef can be exported to Peru. The country closed its markets to Canadian beef due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The Peruvian beef market is worth an estimated $2 million annually to Canadian producers, according to Canada Beef Inc.

"Today's announcement is great news for Canada's world-class beef exporters and their families," Minister Fast said. "Canada welcomes Peru's decision. Since our free trade agreement with Peru came into force in 2009, our bilateral trade has increased by more than 50 per cent, and today's announcement is clear proof of how deeper trade benefits Canadian workers and businesses."

The Canadian government continues to work on restoring access for bone-in beef over 30 months of age, which is the only remaining Canadian beef access issue with Peru. Canada and Peru have had a free trade agreement (FTA) since 2009. The FTA is providing Canadian beef producers with a competitive advantage in Peru by immediately eliminating tariffs on Canadian beef offal and on selected Canadian boneless beef cuts, the government said.

"As an industry ambassador, Canada Beef Inc. pledges a commitment to working with industry and trade export partners to identify and deliver upon the best opportunities for Canadian producers," said Robert Meijer, Canada Beef Inc. president. "We will accomplish this through a strategic effort to maximize the value they receive for their products. Diversifying market opportunities and meeting consumer demand for Canadian beef and veal around the world is key to creating an environment where producers can be successful. We look forward to working with our industry to benefit from these opportunities."