CANADA been granted approval to export chilled and frozen fresh beef to Australia, along similar lines to last week’s announcement about resumption of US exports.

Canadian beef was banned from entry back in 2003, when the country detected BSE at much the same time as the United States.

To avoid any confusion, this development relates specifically to beef from cattle raised and slaughtered in Canada itself – not Canadian cattle shipped across the border to be processed in the US, and from there exported to Australia.

The Federal Government’s approval of renewal of beef exports from Canada dilutes any argument raised last week that the Australian Government’s decision over US beef imports – taking much of the beef industry by surprise – was solely politically-motivated.

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency statement issued yesterday announced the successful re-opening of market access for Canadian beef and beef products to Australia – opening the door to a key Indo-Pacific market for the first time since 2003.

“Regained access offers not only economic potential for Canadian farmers and processors but also contributes to global food security by providing more international consumers access to premium quality Canadian beef,” the CFIA statement said.

“By opening access to premium markets like Australia, Canadian producers can increase exports, generating new revenue streams that fuel investments, sustain jobs, and support local economies from coast to coast.”

Canada now holds a negligible risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the same level as Australia.

“This means Canada’s beef production system is recognised internationally as sound, safe and respected,” the statement said.

“The Government of Canada remains committed to expanding international market opportunities for the country’s agri-food sector. Working closely with industry stakeholders and trading partners, Canada continues to protect its strong international reputation as a source of safe, high-quality food, helping Canadian products compete and succeed globally.”

Canadian Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald said Canada was known around the world for producing top-quality beef — a testament to the hard work of its producers.

“Strengthening our trade ties with Australia—one of our key partners in the Indo-Pacific—means more opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses, create good jobs, and build up our economy. The Government of Canada is absolutely committed to supporting the industry as we open new doors, drive growth, and showcase the best of Canada to the world.”

Canadian Food Inspection Agency president, Paul MacKinnon, said this regained access to the Australian market was a testament to the cooperation between the CFIA, the Canadian beef industry and its trading partners.

“CFIA’s commitment to science-based decision-making and rigorous inspection standards helps to uphold Canada’s global reputation for excellence in food safety and animal health. This achievement not only reflects the strength of our system and the value of Canada’s high-quality beef internationally but also supports the livelihoods of Canadian workers and families who rely on this industry,” he said.

Beef Central understands the Canadian biosecurity risk assessment process undertaken by the Federal Government was more straightforward and less complicated than the equivalent risk assessment for US beef, because it did not include the clauses around the importation of Mexican cattle brought across the border for processing in the US.

In 2024, Canada was the world’s eighth largest beef exporter by volume.

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) was launched in 2022 to position Canada to take advantage of growing opportunities in the region by strengthening regional engagement and deepening diplomatic, security, economic, and sustainable development partnerships.

In 2003, Australia imposed import restrictions on Canadian beef, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of BSE. In 2021, Canada was officially re-categorised by the World Organisation of Animal Health as having negligible risk status for BSE.

Canada has in fact become a more significant export destination for Australian beef over the past 18 months, as outlined in this earlier article.