US FTAs Eventually Signed but Canada Sees Warning Signs

President Obama has signed into law the long-awaited free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, as well as the latest trade adjustment assistance for workers.

The move has brought a long sigh of relief from most sections of the US meat industry.

US poultry and egg producers, processors and exporters said they were united in their strong support for the decisive passage and subsequent signing of legislation to implement free trade agreements (FTAs) with Korea, Colombia and Panama. The industries have supported and urged approval of these agreements since negotiations were concluded more than four years ago.

With KORUS FTA approval, US poultry meat exports to Korea could rise to more than $150 million or 125,000 tons annually, with annual egg exports tripling to $12 million. Over the first 10 years of the agreement, this is expected to generate $720 million in exports.

Now, the Canadian Pork Council, Canada Pork International, Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the Canadian Meat Council have joined forces to urge the Government of Canada to resume FTA talks with South Korea that have been stalled since 2008.

The Canadian pork and beef industries said they are very concerned that postponing the FTA talks any further will seriously affect the competitiveness of their and other Canadian sectors exporting to South Korea now that the US Congress ratified a FTA with South Korea.

In Europe, the European Commission is to put forward new proposals to improve the protection of consumers and industry against a possible dioxin contamination.

The scheme has been endorsed the EU Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

In particular, four measures will be implemented throughout the EU by the middle of next year.

They aim to further reduce the risk of contamination in the food chain and the measures will avoid food recalls from the market and significant financial costs to the consumers and industries.

In Brazil, beef processing giant JBS SA has hit back at allegations that it has broken an accord over buying cattle from sustainable sources.

In a statement to shareholders, the company said it has "not violated any agreement or commitment to all public bodies and civil rights in Brazil".