New market access could be worth $2.5 million annually
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
New market access to the country of Georgia for Canadian breeding cattle and swine could be worth millions of dollars each year.
Beginning immediately, Canadian cattle and swine breeders can export their products to Georgia. The Canadian industry estimates the new market access could be worth $2.5 million annually.
Representatives from the swine industry are encouraged that access to Georgia will help Canada’s swine industry grow worldwide.
“A live breeding swine certificate activated for Georgia is good news for the Canadian swine industry as our exporters will now have market access to supply Georgia with our high-health, top quality swine genetics,” said Nancy Weicker, Executive Director of the Canadian Swine Exporters Association in a Feb, 2nd press release. “Georgia is a new market for Canadian swine genetics and our solid reputation will allow us to further develop the swine industry globally.”
The deal was announced by Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay and Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland. Both are optimistic about the opportunities the Georgian access can provide to Canadian cattle and swine breeders.
In 2014, Canada exported about $166.3 million worth of animal genetics and Georgia imported $1.7 million in animal genetics.
Trade Between Canada and Georgia
- Total trade between Canada and Georgia in 2014 was $90.3 million.
- Canada exported $14.2 million worth of goods to Georgia and imported $76.1 million.
- Total agri-food and seafood exports to Georgia were about $7.4 million in 2014 and included frozen pork, lentils and frozen chicken cuts.