The Government of Canada has secured export market access for live breeding swine and live breeding cattle to the country of Georgia.
According to a press release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian breeders can immediately begin exporting to this market. Georgian breeders will be able to also benefit by gaining access to Canada’s genetics. Canadian industry estimates that the total gains from access to this new market could be worth up to CA$2.5 million (US$1.8 million) annually.
"This access creates an opportunity for Canadian exporters of high-quality Canadian purebred cattle and swine to sell to the Georgian market,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian agriculture minister. “Our government continues to push for access to more markets around the world in order to ensure Canadian producers and agri-businesses are thriving, prosperous and successful for the long-term."
The move is being applauded by the Canadian Swine Exporters Association.
“A live breeding swine certificate activated for Georgia is good news for the Canadian swine industry as our exporters will now have market access to supply Georgia with our high-health, top quality swine genetics,” said Nancy Weicker, executive director of the association. "Georgia is a new market for Canadian swine genetics and our solid reputation will allow us to further develop the swine industry globally.”
