Harper Government Invests in Livestock Genetics for Export Market Development

Woodstock, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, today announced an investment of $1.6 million to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) to help open new export markets to boost the global sale of Canadian dairy and small ruminants genetics.

This investment will focus on developing new markets around the world for Canada's dairy, sheep and goat sectors, with the goal of increasing the sale and export of dairy genetics by 10 per cent by 2015. Through promotion, training and education, the CLGA will work to differentiate Canadian genetics from that of competitors in some 45 markets around the world in order to help ensure the profitability and sustainability of the industry.

Quick facts

• The CLGA is a national, not-for-profit trade association that represents the market access and animal health interests of those involved in the sale, service and promotion of livestock genetics both domestically and internationally. The CLGA membership includes 70 livestock organizations doing business in 100 countries worldwide.
• In 2013 the Canadian dairy, sheep and goat industry generated over $120 million in exports.
• Canada and the European Union (EU) have reached an agreement in principle on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will significantly boost trade and investment ties. Upon entry into force, almost 94 per cent of EU agricultural tariff lines will be duty-free.
• This investment is made through the Market Development stream of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, $341-million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Source: AAFC