Canada regains access to Mexico for poultry exports

The Canadian government announced last week that Mexico has reopened its border to Canadian fresh poultry meat, including chicken, turkey and duck meat. Mexico had closed its borders to to these products in 2004 following an outbreak of Avian Influenza.

According to a media release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian industry estimates that restored access to the Mexican market for fresh duck meat and other high-quality, fresh poultry meat will be worth approximately $3 million annually. While Mexico still maintains some limited Avian Influenza-related restrictions, the Government of Canada is working with Mexican authorities to remove these as quickly as possible.

“The Government of Canada is pleased that the Mexican market has reopened for additional Canadian poultry products. We continue to work closely with industry to expand international markets for high-quality Canadian products. I look forward to our continued trade relationship in agriculture and food,” says Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“The Quebec Duck and Geese Breeders Association welcomes the recent agreement between the Governments of Canada and Mexico, which will soon enable Quebec producers to resume exports to Mexico after a 10-year embargo, adds enoit Cuchet, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Quebec Duck and Geese Breeders Association. “This agreement will help to progressively regain the position lost in this rapidly growing market, with a potential for annual sales of more than $3 million.”

This new market access comes on the heels of the February visit of Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, José Calzada, to Canada when he and Minister MacAulay met to further strengthen the two countries’ partnership in agricultural trade.