Canada hints at export opportunities to Ukraine
According to government department Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the deal will also benefit Ukrainian breeders, who will have access to Canada’s livestock genetics.
Canadian livestock breeders will also benefit from an updated and improved veterinary health certificate for export of pure-bred cattle to Ukraine, which builds on the access to the Ukrainian market first secured for Canadian exporters in August 2012, it said.
Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said: "Our government continues to work to create new market opportunities for the Canadian livestock industry. Expanding access in markets like Ukraine creates new opportunities for producers and helps grow our overall economy."
Michael Hall, executive director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA), said: "The CLGA is very pleased with this new market access to Ukraine for live small ruminants. The opportunity to export live breeding animals is a key component in the success of the Canadian livestock industry and we thank the Government of Canada for partnering with our members to further develop the Ukrainian market."
In 2013, Canada exported more than CA$1.5m-worth of live breeding cattle to Ukraine.
Earlier this year the Ukrainian government said it was interested in continuing to establish new joint agricultural projects with Canada. "Thus, beef and dairy cattle breeding is an interesting direction for both countries, as Canada has significant experience in livestock," read a statement from the government’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. It said it was keen for invited experts from Canada to visit Ukraine and share their experiences.
