Ottawa, Ontario, September 11, 2013 – Canadian sheep and goat producers will now benefit from more export opportunities in Brazil with the support of the Harper Government.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that imports of sheep and goat genetics from Canada have now been approved by Brazil, a market the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) estimates to be worth approximately $1.5 million to $2 million annually for Canadian exporters.
“Today’s announcement enhances our trading relationship with Brazil and further demonstrates how this Government is working to deepen Canada’s engagement in the Americas,” said Minister Ritz. “Through a science-based approach to trade, our Government is working closely with industry to open and reopen markets, increase prosperity for producers, and build a stronger economy for all Canadians.”
“The interest in Canadian small ruminant genetics continues to grow past our expectations,” said Michael Hall, Executive Director, CLGA. “Our members and small ruminant breeders in Canada are very excited about Brazil as a positive market opportunity. We would like to thank the team from the Government of Canada for all their work in helping us reopen this market to Canadian exporters and producers.”
The Harper Government is working to discover the mutual economic opportunities that will foster lasting relationships between Canada and its partners in North and South America. Two-way trade between Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean has increased by 32.1 per cent between 2007 and 2012.
Total Canadian global exports of animal genetics reached $103.6 million in 2012, representing an important export commodity for Canadian producers, while Brazil imported a total of $31 million in animal genetics. Producers will now have access to another strong market for their high-quality agricultural products. Earlier this year, the Harper Government negotiated access to Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, Philippines, Costa Rica, and Turkey for Canada’s high-quality livestock genetics.
This announcement is a concrete example of the Harper Government’s action to enhance competitiveness and long-term growth in Canadian agriculture—priorities under the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) policy framework. In addition to multi-year funding for risk management programs, GF2 includes $3 billion in strategic initiatives for innovation, competitiveness, and market development.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
