Southern Alberta Feedlot -- LethbridgeNewsNOW

By Dori Modney

Amid a standoff with China, Ottawa announces financial support for the beef industry

Jul 10, 2019 | 3:34 PM

CALGARY — Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced in Calgary on Wednesday (July 10) that $8.3 million will be used for six projects that will help support Canada’s world-class beef industry.

The bulk of the funds, or $5.3-Million, will go toward Canada Beef, a marketing organization, to grow beef sales internationally, by expanding programs with retail partners and increasing foreign consumer confidence in Canadian beef.

The funding will help the Canadian beef sector further capitalize on a trade agreement the federal Government advanced with Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and North America.

As well, $1.7 million will 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.

With an export value of $2.75 billion, the beef industry is a key driver of the agricultural economy, not only in Alberta but, across the country.

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Michael Young, Canada Beef President, was happy to see the investments.

“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.”

Janice Tranberg, President and CEO, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, thanked the Canadian Agricultural Partnership for the funds that made the internationally recognized welfare certification programs – Canadian Feedlot Animal Care Assessment Program and Animal Feedlot Care Program – a reality.”

“Canadian cattle feeders prioritize animal welfare; and these programs give our beef producers social license to operate and ensure consumer confidence in our production and our products. The program’s education and training, along with improvement and continual implementation of certifiable animal welfare standards across Canada ensure that animals in the feeding sector are raised humanely.”

Minister Bibeau insists the move was not a reaction to an ongoing trade standoff with China, after the Chinese Embassy asked Canada last month to suspend all meat exports, claiming inspectors detected a feed additive residue.

Bibeau says her office is working around the clock to resolve the issue and has submitted a plan to China that she hopes will reassure the country enough to re-open the market soon.