The MOU supports an immediate increase in the sale of livestock genetics from Alberta to Meghalaya and facilitates further trade and cooperation on food processing and safety and on products such as canola, pulses and agriculture machinery.

"This region of India has a population of more than 40 million -that's more than Canada's population -and it holds huge opportunities for Alberta agriculture producers. In particular, this means Alberta's innovative and efficient pork producers will have new and exciting opportunities in India," said Premier Alison Redford.

This MOU will allow a smooth flow of Alberta agrifood products to India, including, but not limited to, swine genetics. It will also and create an agricultural working group which will meet on a regular basis to discuss further trade and cooperation on products such as canola, pulses, and agriculture machinery. The MOU signing comes on the first day of meetings of the trade mission to India led by Premier Alison Redford.

"Cooperation between the two Governments and their respective departments and agencies provides a great opportunity to work with the Indian Ministries of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Bureaus and agricultural and veterinary institutions. This will open the door for Alberta companies to meet with agriculture departments and provide more access for our province's agricultural products," said Alfred Wahl, President, Polar Genetics Canada.

India represents a market of more than one billion people and is one of the world's fastest growing economies. With a growing middle class, and an increasing demand for healthy foods and alternative sources of animal proteins, India is a high priority market for Alberta's agriculture sector. India is already Canada's largest market for pulses (dry beans, chickpeas and lentils) as well as the world's largest consumer and importer of pulses.