KYIV, August 28 /UKRINFORM/. Canada has received a certificate for export of breeding cattle to the Ukrainian market. Ottawa believes the move is important to strengthen the bilateral trade relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said in a statement on Monday, UKRINFORM reported citing the ministry's official website.

"This is good news for our hard working livestock producers who can now sell their world-class cattle to the promising Ukraine market," said Canadian Agriculture and Food Minister Gerry 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."

It is also noted that the access for Canadian purebred live cattle for genetics and breeding purposes is estimated to be worth close to USD 12 million over the next three years.

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 USD 22 million, reads the statement.

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