The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the latest country to fully reopen its borders to Canadian beef following its closure in 2003 when a case of BSE was discovered in Canada.
A joint release Aug. 2 by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast said the UAE is now open to beef over 30 months of age.
The UAE joins nearly 70 countries that have either fully or partially re-established access for Canadian beef since closing their borders in 2003.
The release said Canadian exports of beef from animals under 30 months of age (UTM) to the UAE, Canada’s 19th largest beef export market, were worth more than $1 million in 2011. The industry estimates that full market access for beef could provide additional opportunities worth up to $365,000 annually.
