Canada and Russia work in partnership to increase livestock trade opportunities

June 01, 2011

Ottawa, Ontario - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz underlined the importance of Canada's growing partnership with Russia in the agriculture sector at the opening of the first Canada-Russia Livestock Forum held today in Ottawa. Minister Ritz and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov renewed their commitment to build on Canada and Russia's strong ties and agreed to continue working together to increase bilateral trade for the benefit of farmers.

"Russia is a growing market and partner for Canada's agriculture sector, especially for the livestock industry," said Minister Ritz. "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."

Minister Ritz also took the opportunity to congratulate Genesus Genetics Inc., a company from Manitoba that just finalized an agreement to ship 4100 Canadian live swine to Russia, a deal worth more than $5 million. According to Genesus Genetics Inc., this contract is the largest ever signed by Canada with Russia for registered purebred pigs.

Over the last three years Russia's annual average imports of livestock and genetics from Canada were worth $26 million in a potential market of $235 million and Russia's interest in Canadian products and expertise keeps growing. Canada is an ideal partner for Russia to help its livestock sector develop to its full potential with key agricultural inputs - machinery, technology, knowledge and expertise.

Under the theme "Partners in Livestock Excellence", the Canada-Russia Livestock Forum brings together leading business representatives and government officials to strengthen bilateral relations with the aim of increasing trade and knowledge transfer between the two countries.