A Trinity College technology company that has developed a unique DNA traceability system for meat products has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada.
IdentiGEN’s technology allows retailers, meat producers, meat processors and food-service outlets to provide more information to consumers about where and how their meat is produced.
The company has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada as part of its growing business in that region.
Trade mission to Canada
The announcement was made during Enterprise Ireland’s trade mission to Canada, involving 35 companies from sectors including software, telecoms and financial services, aiming to grow their exports and extend their trade links with Canada.
IdentiGEN works with a number of organisations in the Canadian province of Alberta, including the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Sturgeon Valley Pork, to scientifically track meat from the farm to the retail store.
The company also has entered into an agreement with the University of Alberta in Edmonton to collaborate on genomics research in livestock to improve value chains. In the collaboration, IdentiGEN will work with the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Livestock Genomics Technology, a new venture that plans to research livestock genomic technologies.
Collaborative efforts
“IdentiGEN is an exemplar, not just because of their innovative product offering but in their collaboration efforts with the research community here in Canada,” said Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD.
“It is this focus on research and development that has helped secure their success to date.
“All the indications are that there is significant potential for further growth of Irish exports into this robust marketplace and IdentiGEN’s success to date, culminating in their establishing this subsidiary, clearly demonstrates that dedicated and ambitious Irish companies can find a ready and open market for their products and services in Canada,” Coughlan said.
By John Kennedy
