The federal government has given the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association $2.3 million to continue its international marketing strategy for dairy genetics.


Executive Director Rick McRonald says the funding will be used primarily for market development and increasing access.


He says semen and embryo demand remains very strong with more than 15,000 Canadian dairy embryos exported in 2005.


McRonald notes the key will be opening markets once again to breeding cattle exports.


Many have been closed since B.S.E. was discovered in an Alberta cow in May 2003.


He adds in October the Russian Federation agreed to lift its ban on the importation of Canadian breeding cattle.


McRonald feels the potential to make inroads in the market is significant, it will just be a matter of how competitive we are on price.