New Markets Now Open for Canadian Producers

For the First Time Since 2003, An Asian Market Has Opened Its Doors to Canadian Live Breeding Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Ottawa, Ontario, August 14, 2011 - Canadian ranchers of live breeding cattle, sheep and goats will now benefit from access to the Vietnamese market, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced today. The new market is worth up to $50 million and will lead to the first commercially significant sales of these Canadian animals into Asia since 2003.

We are now in an enviable position to exploit the high quality of our Canadian livestock population's traceability, transparent genetic ability verification systems, high health standards and, importantly, the willingness of Canadian industry to provide support resources to enable the Vietnamese to take full advantage of Canada's economically tested cattle, sheep and goat performances, "said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA).

The industry estimates the total market value for imports of live ruminants in Vietnam worth close to $50 million, of which Canada can now compete for its share.