As the first-ever Canadian Beef Industry Conference is set to take place in Calgary this week, bringing together beef stakeholders from across the country, there could not be a better time to talk about our newly-elected government’s commitment to supporting the Canadian beef industry.
We recognize that this dynamic sector contributes over $30 billion to our economy, $10.5 billion in farm cash receipts and close to $4 billion in beef and cattle exports. We are proud that Canadian beef is recognized around the world for its premium quality, safety and value.
In July, I had the privilege of visiting the Calgary Stampede, which is a tremendous showcase of Canada’s agriculture and food industry, including our beef industry. I met with many ranchers and visited impressive exhibits focused on promoting the many ways our ranchers and industry leaders are keeping the sector on the cutting edge.
I fully appreciate the work our ranchers do to put the best quality beef in the world onto the plates of consumers. As a former farmer, I know full well the hard work and dedication it takes to grow and produce our food.
Prime Minister Trudeau has mandated me with a number of key priorities which will greatly benefit the beef sector, including trade, innovation, and sustainability.
Trade is critical for the success of Canada’s beef industry, with almost 55 per cent of our production exported. Last year, international demand for Canadian beef rose by 15 per cent, and we’re working hard to help the industry increase on that growth curve.
In July in Calgary, I announced a federal investment of $6.4 million to help increase global consumer demand for the Canadian Beef brand through promotion and market development activities.
This investment builds on other significant achievements by our government to develop international markets for Canadian beef. Access has successfully been restored or expanded in key markets such as Mexico, Ukraine, South Korea and Taiwan, and I have met with my counterparts from China, Japan and other key markets to pursue further opportunities. As well, we recently successfully achieved the repeal of the U.S. Country of Origin Labelling law, restoring full access to the United States. The implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Europe will also open up new opportunities for our high-quality beef, and our government is working hard to ensure full access to this market for Canadian beef once it is brought into force.
I am committed to continuing to engage on the international stage on behalf of our world-class Canadian ranchers and farmers.
On sustainability, over the past three decades the Canadian beef industry has made real progress in mitigating environmental impacts, reducing its carbon footprint by 15 per cent, while boosting production by a third. The industry continues to show forward thinking on sustainability through the great work of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Our government is committed to help the industry improve on this impressive record.
Another key to competitiveness is innovation, which is a top priority for our government. Our investments are supporting the Beef Science Cluster and other vital work in beef genomics and meat quality.
We are also working with the Canadian industry to build trust, confidence and markets here in Canada and around the world. The federal investment of $2.6 million in the industry’s new Verified Beef Production Program will help producers meet consumer concerns about animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship.
In July, my colleagues from across the country agreed on key priority areas for the next agricultural policy framework which will help our producers and processors capture new opportunities in the global marketplace and ensure the sector is safer, stronger and more innovative.
I thank the Canadian beef industry for its engagement in our discussions on the next policy framework.
Together we will work to ensure this vital Canadian industry continues to grow and thrive.
Source: Meatbusiness