Brasília, 25 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - After five years of negotiations, next week Brazil will begin exporting chicken meat to one of the world's most demanding markets: Canada. "Basically there was a sanitation problem, but we showed them that we have made progress. Just like we did in the case of mad cow disease. Our poultry farmers have good technology, good quality and good sanitation. And we have now opened the Canadian market," explained minister of Agriculture, Pratini de Morais.

Brazil is now the world's second biggest chicken exporter. Exports to Canada will mean more production, more jobs and income, says the minister. It is estimated that chicken exports to Canada will be worth US$150 million annually. (AB)