Astana:Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture and US-based Trans Ova Genetics, LC have signed a memorandum of cooperation to establish a specialized cattle embryo laboratory in Kazakhstan. The initiative aims to train local specialists with the assistance of international experts.
According to Trend News Agency, the agreement was signed during a working visit to the United States by Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Agriculture Amangaliy Berdalin. The planned laboratory will focus on the collection, evaluation, cryopreservation, and transplantation of cattle embryos. Additionally, it includes provisions for training Kazakh specialists with international expertise.
During the visit, the Kazakh delegation engaged with representatives from the agriculture departments of Idaho and Montana, alongside US agribusiness companies. Discussions centered on the supply of high-productivity breeding livestock and the integration of advanced American genetics into Kazakhstan's livestock sector.
Vice Minister Berdalin emphasized Kazakhstan's considerable potential to boost beef, mutton, and dairy production, given its substantial pasture area, which ranks fifth globally with approximately 180 million hectares. He highlighted the Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan for 2026-2030, which includes measures to enhance livestock genetics, strengthen the feed base, expand financing, and develop processing technologies.
The delegation also discussed Kazakhstan's ongoing implementation of six full-cycle red meat production projects and the construction of the country's first specialized livestock exchange. There was emphasis on training Kazakh specialists for livestock auctions to meet US standards for transparent pricing.
In addition to cattle production, dairy farming was identified as a promising area for cooperation. Kazakhstan is working to increase milk production and modernize its production infrastructure, with over 100 modern dairy farms built recently at an average cost of $9 million each. US companies have been invited to equip these facilities and localize equipment assembly in Kazakhstan, with the aim of supplying Central Asian markets.
The parties agreed to develop specific investment and trade projects, leveraging Montana's expertise in beef cattle farming and Idaho's experience in industrial dairy production and processing. To support these initiatives, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture will establish a permanent working platform involving government agencies, businesses, and research organizations.
Vice Minister Berdalin expressed confidence in achieving mutually beneficial results by combining Kazakhstan's resource potential with the technologies and experience of American partners.