By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced another trade breakthrough today for Canadian lambs entering into Vietnam. The first shipment of live Canadian lambs reached Vietnam safely with a value of $50,000. This is good news for Canadian sheep producers who are always looking for new market opportunities. “Evident by today’s good news, the Canadian industry is benefiting from new market access secured by the Harper Government,” said Minister Ritz. “This is the first shipment of many, as Vietnam is a promising market, a strong trading partner, and a door to Southeast Asia for Canadian farmers.”Minister Ritz is helping pave the way for sheep producers to get into traditionally untapped markets. The Minister congratulated the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) based out of Bowden, Alberta for being the first company to ship lambs to Vietnam. The Harper Government has been aggressive with securing new market access across all agriculture sectors especially for cattle, sheep and goats. Canadian sheep producers are now able to compete for access to a market value with an estimate of $50 million. The government has been a strong advocate for Canadian agriculture working in partnership with a number of commodity groups.