Canada and Russia work towards greater livestock trade

Ottawa, Ont. – Canada and Russia have renewed their commitment to work together and increase bilateral agricultural trade between the two countries.

The announcement was made during the first Canada-Russia Livestock Forum, which took place in Ottawa beginning on June 1, 2011. Themed “Partners in Livestock Excellence,” the forum was intended to help increase trade and the exchange of knowledge between the two countries.

Russia’s annual average imports of livestock and genetics from Canada over the past three years are valued at $26 million. According to Agriculture Canada, the market is worth a potential $235 million.

“Russia is a growing market and partner for Canada’s agriculture sector, especially for the livestock industry,” said Gerry Ritz, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. “Gathering key players from both countries at events such as this forum ensures we continue to strengthen ties with our Russian partners and create opportunities for our farmers.”

Ritz also congratulated Manitoba’s Genesus Genetics Inc., which, says the company, has just signed the largest ever contract between the two countries for registered purebred pigs. Under the $5-million deal Genesus Genetics will ship 4,100 live hogs to Russia.