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Canada expects to expand beef supplies to Russia.

This could be done by increasing the number of companies with the right to export their products to Russia and also by allowing exports of beef on the bone and offal from animals older than 30 months, Herb McLane, the vice president of Canada Beef Inc., which unites beef and veal producers and exporters, told Interfax.

The relevant Russian and Canadian bodies are holding talks and discussing the possibility of expanding beef on the bone and offal supplies from animals older than 30 months, he said. In addition, we are considering including meat processing plants that have not previously had the right to import to Russia in the list of suppliers.

McLane hopes to receive good news about this soon.

Canada can currently supply Russia with beef and all types of by-products from animals under 30 months. Only beef off the bone can be exported from animals that are older than 30 months. By-products from these animals are banned.

Canadian beef exports to Russia were resumed in 2007 after a ban linked to mad cow disease was lifted, McLane said.

Canada exported over 10,000 tonnes of beef and veal to Russia in 2010 for 25 million Canadian dollars ($1=1 Canadian dollar). In terms of weight and value the exports were up 55% on 2009, he said.

Beef trade with Russia was stable in 2011 and exports are expected to reach the 2010 level, he said.