Canada: Saskatchewan poultry regains access to Taiwan
Saskatchewan poultry producers have regained access to the Taiwanese market, which was closed in 2007 following an outbreak of Avain Influenza (AI).
Taiwan is Canada’s fifth-largest export market for poultry and poultry products. Since 2007 imports have increased by 84% from $77.4 million (€58.28 mln) in 2007 to $142.4 million (€105.38 mln) in 2011. Exports for the first 11 months of 2012 are already $22.2 million (€16.43 mln) an increase, so far, of 147% from 2007 to 2012.
Saskatchewan has been recognized as AI-free since 2008 based on the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) requirements, and has been advocating for trade to resume with Taiwan based on this science. The rest of Canada continued to have access during this time period.
“Canada’s poultry producers play an important role in creating jobs and economic growth across Canada,” said Canada’s Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Our Government strongly believes in science-based trade, and we are pleased that Taiwan will recognize the safety and high quality of Saskatchewan poultry products.”
