The Government of Canada has opened new market access for Canadian breeding cattle to Turkey. The industry believes this market has the potential of being a top export market for Canadian breeding cattle.

A statement on the Canadian government’s website says that “improved access in this sector will create more opportunities for Canadian cattle producers and will position Canada as a long-term reliable partner in meeting Turkey’s import requirements”.

Lawrence MacAulay PC MP, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said the Canadian government “continues to work to create new trade opportunities for Canadian farmers and agri-food exporters in key markets all over the world.

“We are pleased to supply world-class cattle to Turkey, maximising export returns for the benefit of Canadian cattle producers.”

Canada and Turkey have a strong and complementary trading relationship, with bilateral merchandise trade at $2.4bn in 2015.

Top Canadian agri-food exports to Turkey include lentils, soyabeans, durum and non-durum wheat and chickpeas. Turkey’s agri-food imports grew by a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% between 2012 and 2015.

Turkey and Ireland

In June this year, Turkish authorities added Ireland to the list of EU member states approved to supply slaughter, fattening and breeding animals.

The development followed an inspection by a Turkish veterinary delegation in May.

IFA president Joe Healy said it would add competition to the trade for weanlings and younger stock.

“Turkey is a high-volume live cattle destination, capable of paying very good prices. The IFA has been pushing to get the live trade to Turkey open since last year.”

Meanwhile, the Canadian market opened for EU beef in October 2015 with Ireland becoming one of the first EU regions to export beef to Canada as part of the CETA trade agreement.

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