Canadian Government Secures Market Access for Live Cattle to Ukraine

Aug 27, 2012

Canadian Cattle Genetics to Benefit Ukrainian Cattle Farmers

The Canadian government announced that cattle farmers will have another opportunity to sell their superior genetics and breeding livestock to Ukraine. The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Trade Minister Ed Fast. The new market access deal allows Canadian cattle producers to sell live cattle to Ukraine. This new partnership is expected to be worth over $12 million over the span of 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."

The last time Canada shipped live cattle to Ukraine was only once in the 1980’s as part of an artificial insemination project between the two countries. The Canadian government has been quick to respond to the needs of Canadian cattle producers, as the deal was made shortly after industry leaders identified this specific market as being a good opportunity for both Canadian and Ukrainian cattle producers.

This announcement is a major breakthrough especially since Canada is currently in the midst of negotiating a full-fledged free trade agreement with Ukraine. It’s estimated that agriculture and food products account for more than $22 million in export sales for Canada.

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.