The Facts:

The main objective of every livestock producer is to breed profitable animals. Acknowledged worldwide for quality and reliability, Canada has enjoyed a long and successful tradition of meeting that objective - in over 70 countries.

The Challenge:

Notwithstanding the fact the role of Government is changing and that new technology, communications systems, and trade agreements are shrinking the global marketplace, trade and animal health barriers are still a reality and exciting opportunities and challenges face the livestock genetics industry.

The Goal:

To anticipate, identify and to prevent or eliminate any trade or animal health barrier that limits Canada's access to world markets.

The Solution:

The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association is a nationwide, not-for-profit trade association representing the market access and animal health interests of those involved in the sale, service and promotion of livestock genetics both domestically and internationally.

The Function of the Association:

The CLGA functions in a number of areas, such as:

• Preparing required licenses and certificates
• Communicating on a regular basis with members, governments, other industry associations and research institutions
• Coordinating the views, concerns and positions of the members
• Representing the industry at national and international levels and at meetings and functions of importance
• The coordination and representation of industry funding initiatives, such as AIMS
• Preparing discussion and position papers for consultation with members and eventually for presentation to the
appropriate government or other agencies, both nationally and internationally.

The Results:

Through the CLGA, members are:

• Participating in the development of the rules and regulations that will govern their activities and determine their market access - rather than becoming victims of decisions made by others.
• Accomplishing more by working together and with a smaller investment in terms of their individual time and money. Membership in the Association provides a constant « presence » that the individual member would find it difficult to provide; a high-profile, respected entity that can keep its finger on the pulse of market access and health issues and speak on behalf of the industry on a daily basis.
• Gaining a competitive advantage as the Association demonstrates a strong commitment to current issues of animal welfare, food safety, etc.
• Ensuring a continued quality image for Canadian livestock genetics
• Working closely with Government to define new and changing roles and to support deployment of limited Government resources to the proper areas.