Canadian cattle producers to benefit from agreement with the U.S.

News Release

New agreement allowing in-vitro fertilized bovine embryos from the U.S. to cross the Canadian border will boost competitiveness of Canada's world-class bovine genetics and cattle

October 29, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that Canadian producers will now have better access to top quality bovine genetics following a new agreement with the United States. The agreement, which allows in-vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos to enter Canada from the U.S., opens up new herd development opportunities for Canadian producers. Previously, only IVF bovine embryos produced within Canada were accessible to producers.

Canada and the U.S. have a strong bilateral trading relationship in bovine genetics, working together to increase North American bovine genetics competitiveness. To build on these important trade ties, this certificate represents the first agreement Canada has developed with another country to permit the sale of IVF bovine embryos within our market.

The science-based agreement negotiated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. supports trade while maintaining Canada's strict animal health requirements.

Quick Facts

Canada and the U.S. have a strong bilateral trading relationship in bovine genetics, with the U.S. ranking as Canada's top export destination for bovine genetics exports, and Canada being the U.S.'s most important trading partner for their products.
In 2013, Canada exported roughly $37.5 million worth of bovine genetics to the U.S., while in the same year, Canada imported $14.7 million in bovine genetics from the U.S.

Quotes

"We all agree that Canadian producers raise the highest quality cattle and are always striving to produce the best genetics in the world," said Minister Ritz. "This agreement with the U.S. demonstrates our Government's continued commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the integration of the North American cattle industry."

Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association ‎is pleased with the agreement between Canada and the U.S. to import IVF embryos. IVF technology is a growing component in the trade of bovine genetics. The CLGA applauds the Government of Canada's work to develop modern trade protocols."

Michael Hall
Executive Director
Canadian Livestock Genetics Association

Contacts

Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600

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Date modified:: 2014-10-29

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Canadian cattle producers to benefit from agreement with the U.S.

News Release

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