(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

MEAT BLOCKADE

Producers disappointed, call for resolution as China bans Canadian meat exports

Jun 26, 2019 | 1:22 PM

Producers are calling for action after receiving word of a Chinese suspension on all Canadian meat exports.

News of the move came late Tuesday after China said it found counterfeit veterinary certificates attached to a batch of pork exported to China. The number of forged certificates was up to 188.

The Chinese embassy, in talking with the Canadian Press, said these forged certificates were sent to the Chinese regulatory authorities through Canadian official certificate notification channels and therefore indicates that the Canadian meat export supervision system has obvious safety loopholes.

As a result they say the suspension is an “urgent preventative measure” to protect Chinese consumers. They have also asked that the Canadian government suspend all meat-export certificates.

This is troubling news for producers across Saskatchewan, as Chinese meat exports account for $514 million in pork and $97 million in beef.

pilot project looking for public support

Kokum and Dot: a new Indigenous-themed kids show created by member of Muskoday First Nation

13h ago

Reliable rentals

Introducing EZ Care and EZ Ryder; Transforming health transport and car rental services

14h ago

Riderville

Riders Give Fans a Taste of What Kind of Team They Were Hoping to Be

Sep 26, 2024

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) said no new Canadian meat export certificates will be issued for China due to the discovery. In a news release, the organization said it’s unclear why beef products have been included in the suspension.

“It is unfortunate that this disruption of trade has occurred. We are fully confident in our meat production systems in Canada and the safe-guards we have in place,” CCA Vice President Bob Lowe said in the release.

Livestock groups in Saskatchewan are disappointed with China’s decision to halt all imports of Canadian meat.

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association manager Chad MacPherson said the action will affect cattle producers.

“We need to work with the federal government to try and get a consulate on the ground back in China and try and get this issue resolved sooner than later because it’s going to impact the bottom line of all livestock producers in Canada,” MacPherson said.

Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association CEO Ryder Lee said there is significant opportunity for growth in the Chinese market.

“Everyone wants to know what the impact is going to be but it’s the answer to those questions we don’t have yet that will play that out,” Lee said. “If we can fix this quickly then, of course, the impact will be not as big as if it drags on.”

Canadian beef exports to China have been on the rise. In the first quarter of 2019, exports were valued at $48 million.

Lee said in 2018 Canada exported $97 million worth of product to China which is 2.6 per cent of the country’s export value and one percent of Canadian production.

“Some people might say that’s big or that’s small, but to me anytime you don’t have a buyer showing up at your sale, that’s not good,” Lee said. “It’s important that we get back their as quick as we can.”

One option Lee said he’d like to see Ottawa explore is opening up more countries as export options for the beef industry.

— with files from the Canadian Press, Keaton Brown

–

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF