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Harper Government secures market access for live cattle to Ukraine

Ottawa, Ontario, August 27, 2012 - Canadian producers will immediately benefit from the newly secured market access for live cattle to Ukraine, today announced Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast. The access for Canadian purebred live cattle for genetics and breeding purposes is estimated to be worth close to $12 million over the next three years.

"This is good news for our hard working livestock producers who can now sell their world-class cattle to the promising Ukraine market," said Minister Ritz. "Our Government will continue to create new sales opportunities for Canadian producers around the world, contributing to long-term prosperity, job creation and economic growth."

Following commercial interests identified by the Canadian industry for this specific market, the Government negotiated a new certificate that will create new sales opportunities for producers. Canada shipped cattle to Ukraine only once in the 1980's as part of a project for the Canada-Ukraine Artificial Insemination Centre.

"CLGA is pleased that these sometimes difficult negotiations have concluded with a positive decision for Canadian and for Ukrainian producers," said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA). "Canada-Ukraine dairy genetics cooperation began in the 1970's and has continued through good times and bad. We are happy to see this very positive development."

The Canadian swine industry recently benefited from restored market access for live swine and new market access for swine genetics to Ukraine. Building on its good trade relationship with Ukraine, the Harper Government is working to open and increase market access for Canadian beef, poultry and ready-to-eat meat products.

"Today's announcement is an important step towards deepening and strengthening our trading relationship with Ukraine," said Minister Fast. "Our Government is committed to an ambitious pro-trade plan that delivers real benefits for Canadian workers and their families."

Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with Ukraine, which would further open markets for Canadian agricultural exports. In 2011, Canadian exports of agriculture and food products to Ukraine were valued at more than $22 million.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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