MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean meat sales will reach 350 million US dollars

The Chilean meat industry will be exporting 350 million US dollars in 2004 announced Agriculture Minister Arturo Barrera Miranda during the recent Expo-Carne and the biennial meeting of the industry held in Santiago's Machopo Station.

The 2004 target represents a 25% sustained increase over 2003.

Of the total 350 million US dollars, 200 million is pork, 100 million poultry, 30 million beef and 24 million lamb and mutton.

Minister Barrera Miranda also indicated that in the second half of 2004, the traceability system for livestock will begin to be implemented.

Other ministerial targets are consolidate the livestock produce certification system; complete the certification process with United States, Korea and China, plus opening further markets; improve the Livestock and Agriculture Service responsible for sanitary monitoring; improve livestock sanitary conditions and promote good livestock husbandry conditions.

Mr. Barrera Miranda said the different targets will be implemented with collaboration from the private sector particularly those involved in the export market.