PONOKA, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Mar 15, 2013) - The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) will help increase demand for Canadian genetics around the world with the support of the Harper Government. Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins (Wetaskiwin), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced the investment today at Morsan Farms, a world-class dairy farm that specializes in breeding and exporting genetics.

"Canada is a leading supplier of livestock genetics in the global marketplace," said MP Calkins. "Investments like this help the industry penetrate new markets, maintain greater competitiveness in existing markets, and increase overall exports. Our government understands that trade creates jobs, economic growth, and keeps the economy strong."

The investment of over $1million will help the CLGA implement its long-term international market development strategy for dairy and small-ruminant genetics. It will also help the CLGA expand and regain international markets for live cattle, semen, and embryos, and market its strong dairy cattle improvement and genetic evaluation programs. These efforts will underline the positive attributes associated with Canada''s international reputation and will further raise the image of Canadian agricultural products. Planned activities include the following: participating in trade advocacy meetings and leading trade missions, delivering training and education seminars, working to develop new markets, and undertaking market assessments for emerging markets.

"CLGA very much appreciates the market development support provided through the AgriMarketing Program," said Rick McRonald, CLGA Executive Director. "Along with industry funding, this investment helps us promote Canada''s high-performing dairy, sheep, and goat genetics, and our innovative genetic evaluation and management systems, to enhance technical market access and to ensure that buyers have the knowledge and skills to maximize the potential of their investment. These initiatives support the marketing efforts of CLGA members and bring value to every producer."

Canada is a net exporter of dairy animal genetics (bovine embryos, semen, and live dairy cattle). Canadian dairy genetics were exported to over 100 countries in 2012, with a value of $110million.

Through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward, the Government of Canada is investing $88million to help industry implement long-term international strategies, including international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding activities.

This announcement is another example of what is being done to enhance competitiveness for Canadian agricultural exports. The Government of Canada has achieved six new free-trade agreements that have opened the doors of diverse international markets to Canadian agricultural products. In fact, the Government of Canada has also identified market development as a priority under Growing Forward 2.

To find out more about the Growing Forward 2 AgriMarketing Program, please visit http://www.agr.gc.ca/agrimarketing.

To find out more about the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, please visit http://www.clivegen.org.

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Harper Government Helps Boost Exports in High-Quality Genetics

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