Full Access Secured for US Beef Exports to Peru

The US government has reached agreement with the government of Peru to remove barriers for US beef exports that have remained in effect since 2003, opening one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America to all American beef and beef products.

In 2015, the United States exported $25.4 million in beef and beef products to Peru.

Since the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force in 2009, US beef and beef products have grown substantially but have been hampered due to burdensome certification requirements installed by Peru in 2003.

"Since 2009, the United States and Peru have enjoyed one of the strongest bilateral trade relationships in the Western Hemisphere, and today it became much stronger," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack after meeting with officials from the government of Peru – click here to read more.

Also this week, the US Department of Agriculture announced it is looking for vaccine manufacturers as part of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) preparedness plans.

There has not been a case of FMD in the US since 1929, but the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said it has held extensive conversations with livestock producers and related industries, and those involved recognised there is an increased need for a steady vaccine supply to combat the disease should it enter the country.

To address moderate or large-scale FMD outbreaks, APHIS said it is prepared to use vaccine to protect cattle, pigs, sheep and goats in affected states.

Vaccinated animals will be allowed to live out their useful lives. This ensures continued production and maintains the domestic food supply.

A sufficient supply of stored vaccine will be necessary for this strategy to be effective. APHIS said it would like to have a minimum of 25 million doses for each of the 10 high-risk strains available - read more.