Investing in New Markets for Canadian Livestock Genetics

More Canadian livestock will be raised outside of Canada using prized Canadian genetics. Farmers around the world demand Canada’s superior livestock breeds so they can raise cows and goats that produce more milk, and sheep, which produce more meat, for example

Budget 2017 identifies agriculture as a key growth industry, and targets investments that will help the sector build on its competitive strengths and chart Canada’s path to prosperity.

“Farmers around the world want Canadian breeds of livestock, because they are recognized worldwide for their high quality”

 

A $3 million federal investment to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) will help exporters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement today, along with the Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill Mary Ng at the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, where Canada’s top livestock breeders compete.

“Farmers around the world want Canadian breeds of livestock, because they are recognized worldwide for their high quality,” Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay. “This investment will help Canadian livestock genetics exporters access new and emerging markets, like China, leading to greater returns for our farmers and their families and continued growth for the economy.”

The focus of the project will be on exports of dairy, sheep and goat genetics, which in 2016 generated exports of over $150 million dollars. The CLGA is looking to increase those exports to over $200 million through trade missions, training and promotion.

“The investment made by the Government of Canada and CLGA members to develop livestock markets throughout the world continues to yield benefits to all of Canada’s agriculture exporters,” added Michael Hall, Executive Director, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. “Canada’s world class genetics combined with the training and knowledge transfer made possible by Canada’s AgriMarketing funding is instrumental in improving farming practices around the world.”

The Government of Canada is working hard to grow our markets internationally. Later this month, Minister MacAulay will be leading a trade mission to China, which is looking to our livestock genetics to increase their agricultural production.