OTTAWA, Ontario – The Ukraine has opened its market to live swine from Canada and for the first time to Canadian swine genetics under a new export certificate, the Canadian government announced May 31.

Canadian and Ukrainian officials met for talks regarding export conditions for many products during the 80th session of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) held in Paris. Ukraine currently imports approximately C$4.5 million worth of purebred swine, according to the government. Live swine were previously exported from Canada to Ukraine, however the two countries negotiated a new export certificate to address Ukraine's recently revised import requirements.

Canada exports of agriculture and food products totaled more than C$22 million in 2011. Canada and Ukraine are also currently in negotiations towards a free trade agreement.