In a significant milestone for Paraguay’s agricultural sector, the country’s beef producers have successfully gained access to the Canadian market after nearly three and a half years of rigorous negotiations and compliance efforts. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has officially authorized nine Paraguayan packing plants to begin exporting meat to Canada, marking a major achievement for the South American nation.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña took to social media to celebrate the news, expressing his gratitude to the various institutions and sectors involved in reaching this pivotal moment. “I congratulate all the institutions and sectors involved for this important achievement,” Peña wrote, highlighting the collective effort that went into meeting Canada’s stringent sanitary standards.
The National Service of Quality and Animal Health (Senacsa) of Paraguay, which played a crucial role in the approval process, published the list of approved plants and underscored the demanding requirements that had to be met to gain entry into the Canadian market. Senacsa President José Carlos Martin emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, noting that the Canadian market represents a volume similar to that of the United States. “This year we could export 3,000 to 4,000 tons [to the US], but our goal is always going to be according to the learning curve we have because now we have to enter to compete, convince, and conquer,” Martin stated.
Martin also pointed out that 97% of Paraguay’s beef exports consist of boneless meat, although some meat with bones is now being exported to Israel. This shift in export dynamics, he explained, allows for increased production and a greater domestic supply of meat. The recent success in gaining access to Canada is part of a broader “learning process” that has equipped Paraguayan producers to meet international standards and expand their market reach.
Agriculture Minister Carlos Giménez echoed these sentiments, congratulating Senacsa and the entire meat industry for their hard work. Giménez assured domestic consumers that the increased export opportunities would not lead to higher prices for meat in Paraguay. On the contrary, he argued that exporting meat for industrial use would actually enhance the local supply, benefiting Paraguayan consumers. “This is also important for the national consumer…this will allow us to have a greater supply of meat here in the country,” Giménez explained.
The Minister also framed the achievement as a “victory of the Government,” reflecting Paraguay’s growing ability to tap into new markets and boost its economic development. As Paraguay continues to expand its global presence, this latest success in Canada is expected to pave the way for further growth and opportunities for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Source: MercoPress, South Atlantic News Agency
