Investing in New Markets for Canadian Livestock Genetics

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - 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.

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.

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 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.

Quotes

"Farmers around the world want Canadian breeds of livestock, because they are recognized worldwide for their high quality. 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."
—      Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay

"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. 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."
—      Michael Hall, Executive Director, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association

Quick facts

• Budget 2017 set an ambitious goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.
• Budget 2017 focused on agri-food as one of the top industries in our Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leader in innovation, with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs.
• The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association is a nationwide, not-for-profit trade association representing the market access and animal health interests of those involved in the sale, service and promotion of livestock genetics both domestically and internationally.
• This investment is being made under the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, up to $341 million initiative.

Associated links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriMarketing (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Livestock Genetics Association

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax