Demand in Mexico Presents Export Opportunities for Livestock Producers
Published on December 10, 2010
December 10, 2010, Medicine Hat Alberta...An Increasing demand for top quality beef and genetics is providing strong export opportunities in Mexico, for Alberta livestock producers. Directly assisting local industry,Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD) trade development officers have established global relationships that position southeast Alberta as a source of frozen embryos, seaman and live cattle.
Alberta is seen as a source of genetics and diverse cattle breeds such as Red and Black Angus, providing Mexico an opportunity to improve their own genetics, while supplying locally.
“Mexico has a growing middleclass which is increasing the country’s purchasing power,” said Tracy Heebner, rural business enhancement officer for the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. “Mexico specifically is looking for both value added foods as well as genetics. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development trade development officers are acting as a connector between producers and buyers. They have an international network that can assist companies expand into other markets including: Asia, Europe and the United States.”
The EDA is currently assisting producers by putting them into contact with the correct trade officers, as well as providing possible funding opportunities such as the Agricultural Initiatives Program, which can potentially provide funds for producers to attend activities such as fairs, trade shows and conferences.
“In November, FarmFair International took place in Edmonton, this is one of the events that provide a meeting place for international buyers and sellers to do business; on our website under the business assistance section we’ve highlighted similar tradeshows that are occurring in the new year, such as Food West 2011 in February- an agri-business, buyer-seller forum, ” said Heebner.
For more information on exporting to international markets or to learn about the business services available to help you expand your company or access venture capital go to www.edalliance.ca. For opportunities specific to agriculture businesses expanding into Mexico, please see the “Exporting to Mexico” interview.
Interested in the topic? Read Trade Development Officers Provide Agri-Food Industry Access to International Markets