More livestock are going to be raised outside of Canada using Canadian genetics.

On Friday at the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced a $3 million investment to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA), which will help exporters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics. The investment was made through Growing Forward 2.

“Farmers around the world want Canadian breeds of livestock, because they are recognized worldwide for their high quality," said MacAulay. "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.”

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

Later this month, MacAulay will be leading a trade mission to China, which is looking to Canadian livestock genetics to increase their agricultural production.

 

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