Canada and Brazil have signed a livestock export agreement that should trigger a re-opening of Canadian hog semen exports into South America’s largest economy.
Agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief, in a Sept. 4 telephone news conference from Brazil, said there is a demand in that country for Canadian livestock genetics as its farm sector diversifies.
“They are looking for our genetics. They are looking for our expertise,” he said.
On Sept. 3, an agreement was signed committing Brazil to accept more Canadian inspection standards and reduce the number of tests required for swine, swine semen and cattle semen coming from Canada.
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Semen allowed
While bovine semen sales were close to $5 million last year, Brazilian suspicion of Canadian inspection reports eliminated Canadian swine sales to that country of 165 million.
“By accepting our standards on these animals, Brazil has expanded the market potential for Canadian exporters,” Vanclief said when announcing the deal.
Bill Vaags from Dugald, Man., vice-president of Canada Pork International and a member of a Canadian trade delegation travelling with the minister to South America last week, said in the announcement that his industry will take advantage of the opportunity.
“It opens up another market for us.”
The deal came during a 12-day agricultural trade mission to Brazil, Chile and Mexico. Accompanied by four provincial agriculture ministers and representatives of 40 companies or trade associations, Vanclief flew south Aug. 31.
