Canada Regains Beef Access to Australia After 20 Years

Successful Market Re-Opening Boosts Canadian Beef Industry Exports

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a significant achievement with the successful re-opening of market access for Canadian beef and beef products to Australia.  

This marks the first time since 2003 that Canada’s beef industry can export to Australia, opening up a vital Indo-Pacific market. 

The re-opening of this market presents excellent economic opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors. By gaining access to Australia, a premium market, Canadian beef producers can expand exports, which will generate additional revenue streams.  

“Canada is known around the world for producing top-quality beef — and that’s a testament to the hard work of our 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,” said The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

Canada’s beef production system has been recognized internationally as safe and reliable. With negligible risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Canadian beef maintains its reputation as a high-quality, safe product. 

The Government of Canada continues to work closely with industry stakeholders and global trading partners to expand international market access. This commitment aims to ensure that Canada remains a leading exporter of safe, high-quality food products, helping Canadian producers compete successfully on the world stage. 

“This regained access to the Australian market is a testament to the cooperation between the CFIA, the Canadian beef industry and our 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,” said Paul MacKinnon, President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 

Photo Credit: Pexels - Birgit Bollinger