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Canadian government invests in new markets for Canadian Livestock Genetics

Nov 3, 2017 | 2:53 PM

OTTAWA – Farmers around the world are eyeing Canada’s superior livestock breeds to help them raise cows and goats that produce more milk, and sheep, which produce more meat.
 
To that end, the federal government announced on Friday that it is investing $3 Million into the Canadian Livestock Genetics Assocaition (CLGA), to help exporters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics.
 
The project`s main focus will be on exports of dairy, sheep and goat genetics, which in 2016 generated exports of over $150 million dollars. The Association is looking to increase those exports to over $200 million through trade missions, training and promotion.
 
Later this month, the agriculture minister will lead a trade mission to China, which is looking to our livestock genetics to increase their agricultural production, and China could be the biggest buyer.

“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,“ said Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

The investment is being made under the Growing Forward 2, Agri-Marketing Program, which is a five-year, up to $341 million initiative. The Federal 2017 Budget set a goal of growing Canada’s agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.