OTTAWA, Ontario – Canada has secured market access to Kazakhstan for Canadian boneless beef, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced July 27.

Effective immediately, Kazakhstan will accept imports of Canadian boneless beef from animals over 30 months of age, Ritz said. The Canadian government also recently negotiated access for all beef from animals less than 30 months. The new market access could translate into $1 million annually for eligible exporters.

"We've enhanced our trading relationship with Kazakhstan by supplying world-class beef to a market of strategic importance, giving producers the opportunity to compete for sales in this country," Ritz said. "This government is working closely with industry to open new markets, increase prosperity for our producers, and build a stronger economy."

Canada also has successfully secured the same market access for Canadian beef as with Russia, and is currently negotiating new import requirements with the regional Customs Union, which includes Russia and Kazakhstan.