January 15, 2007

Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) to get US$2 million to promote Canada dairy genetics

The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) expects to receive US$2.3 million in federal funding to support its international export strategy.

The CLGA would then work to position Canada as a world leader in value-added exports of dairy genetic materials.

The CLGA plan includes market access and advocacy activities designed to create opportunities for Canadian producers, while making it easier for international clients to thrive using Canadian genetics under their own market conditions.

Stimulating growth for Canada's dairy genetics in the global marketplace creates opportunities for producers in Canada, said Gordon Sweet, the Ontario MP who announced the federal funding programme on behalf of federal agriculture minister Chuck Strahl from Chilliwack.

Further, the CLGA plans to participate in global access and advocacy meetings, key agricultural shows, as well as provide technical experts for international conferences and training projects on a variety of dairy management, artificial insemination, and genetic evaluation techniques.