The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Japan opened its market for pig and meat products from Costa Rica after certifying the country free of swine flu, said the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).
“We gave explanations of what they asked for in terms of classic swine fever which was eradicated in 1997, and we maintain surveillance, so they were satisfied,” said the deputy director of the National Service Animal Health (SENASA), Alexis Sandí.
The reopening comes after the SENASA of Costa Rica began in 2012 with an exchange of information with Japan in order to export pork products.
Meanwhile the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica, Gloria Abraham, said in a press release the importance of openness to different markets.
“This has been a successful year for the hog farmer sector, especially regarding the opening of new markets. Emerging markets are an important option in Japan, because they have very demanding levels,” said Abraham.
The opening of this market for Costa Rican producers allows them to export pork and other derivatives as well like sausage.
In 2013, Costa Rica also managed to sign a protocol to export pork to China, which was signed during a visit to San Jose by Chinese President Xi Jinping. (ACAN-EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica