Canadian poultry genetics exporters will again have access to the lucrative Mexican market since the doors were closed following the March 2004 outbreak of avian influenza. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement today following numerous exchanges and high-level interventions with the Mexican Government.

"Not a day goes by that this Government isn’t working to reopen markets for Canadian producers," said Minister Ritz. "'Farmers first' has been the cornerstone of our government's priorities from day one and will continue to be."

Mexico is an important market for Canadian exporters of poultry and related products. Imports of day-old chicks and poults and hatching eggs to Mexico from all countries reached $18.2 million in 2009.

Due to this new agreement, Canadian industry estimates that exports of these products from Canada could potentially reach $2 million annually.

"We're very pleased to hear that the export of hatching eggs, day-old chicks and turkey poults from Canada to Mexico can restart after Canada received confirmation that Mexican authorities informed their border points of entry" said Minister Ritz. "This is great news for farmers."