OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Panama has re-opened its market to Canadian breeding cattle and is expanding market access to bovine genetics. The announcement was made June 8 by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan.

In 2009, the value of Canadian agriculture and food exports to Panama was C$23.5 million ($22.6 million). Canada and Panama signed a free-trade agreement May 14. Once implemented, the agreement will open doors to Canadian farmers and exporters with improved market access, bringing benefits to a wide range of sectors, including agriculture and agri-food, both officials said.