Canada has announced it will commence live cattle exports to the United Arab Emirates this year.

Canada's agriculture ministry expects live cattle exports to the market to generate about $40 million.

“This announcement instantly provides new export opportunities for Canadian producers, and is a significant step toward regaining access to other key markets in the region,” Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in the report on independent news website bikyamasr.com

“Our Government’s top priority remains the economy, and this new market access is good news for our hard working farmers across the country.”

Animal rights advocates have announced they will protest the move.

Mary Youkles, a Ottawa resident who told Bikyamasr.com that she plans to use social media to create a campaign against the move.

“So many animals are crammed onto these boats and many die along the way, which are then just dumped into the ocean as if they are meaningless. It is disgusting and for our government to get involved in this is wrong,” she said.

However Canadian government are backing the industry.

“This is great news for Canadian cattle exporters, and yet another example of how our government’s commitment to opening new markets for Canadian businesses and workers is getting results,” said Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

“The UAE’s announcement advances our bilateral commercial relations, and will help our overall efforts to build on our economic and trade ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a whole.”

The industry itself is promoting the move as a means of boosting Canada’s international trade.

“We are pleased to have regained access to the UAE market,” said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. “This is good news for exporters who have been waiting to pursue this opportunity.”