The two sides have been negotiating since December 2013
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Canada has regained access to a Central American country after almost 10 years of negotiations.
On April 28, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Guatemala will once again import Canadian beef, pork and poultry.
This comes after almost 10 years of negotiations between officials from both countries.
In December 2012, Guatemala informed Canada of its requirement to inspect establishments.
And as of December 21, 2013, any establishment not on Guatemala’s list would not be allowed to export.
Guatemala imported $360 million of beef, pork and poultry from global partners in 2022.
Now, Canadian meat and poultry exports on or after April 17, 2023, are eligible for export to Guatemala.
“This is a big win for Canada. The success of Canadian agriculture depends heavily on Canada’s ability to export to the world, and Guatemala presents many opportunities for our exporters,” Bibeau said. “Our government will continue to support industry’s efforts to get Canadian businesses into new and existing markets and stimulate economic growth.”
Guatemala is Canada’s largest bilateral trading partner in the region.
Top ag exports from Canada to Guatemala in 2022 included cereals ($83.12 million) and fertilizers ($23.12 million).
Canada imports fruits, vegetables, sugar and other products from Guatemala.
Farms.com has contacted the Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Cattle Association for comment on the regained access to Guatemala.