Canadian beef industry awarded $8.3m support
Announced by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, the funding will be used for six projects in the beef industry.
The largest portion of funds, $5.3m, has been set aside for Canada Beef to grow beef sales in important international markets, by expanding programs with retail partners and increase foreign consumer confidence in Canadian beef. It is expected that this funding will help the Canadian beef sector further capitalize on the trade agreement the Government of Canada has advanced with Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and North America.
This also includes an investment of $1.7m to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association to offer producers new tools to build public trust in their product around the world. This funding will help all producers take full advantage of the Verified Beef Production Plus Program.
Other projects to be funded include: almost $800,000 to help the Canadian Beef Breeds Council grow markets; over $250,000 to help the National Cattle Feeders Association ensure public trust in animal welfare practices on our beef operations; and over $230,000 to help the Canadian Aberdeen Angus Association to improve animal welfare through genetics.
On announcing the funding, Bibeau said: “Our Government is proud to be working with industry to ensure Canada’s beef sector remains a strong driver of our nation’s prosperity and continues creating good jobs for our middle class. This investment will help grow markets, increase public trust in beef products, and harness the full power of the Canada beef brand here and around the world.”
Michael Young, president of Canada Beef, added: “Canada Beef is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program to fund and deliver important international Canadian beef market development programs that will help ensure the continued growth and success of the Canadian beef industry. Canada Beef shares the Government’s vision for significant growth in agricultural exports over the next five years. International markets add over $600 per head in additional value to the beef animal and helps the beef industry to be a significant driver for economic growth.”
