New funding supports beef exports trade access and market development
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of more than $4 million to support the growth of the country's beef sector.
The investment will help increase market opportunities for Canadian beef producers, strengthen trade relationships, and promote Canadian beef products in Canada and around the world.
Canada Beef will receive up to $3.74 million over two years, from 2026 to 2028. The organization will use the funding to raise awareness of Canadian beef and veal, improve market development activities, and increase demand among domestic and international consumers. The goal is to support a strong, competitive, and profitable beef industry.
The Canadian Cattle Association will receive up to $300,000 over the same period. The funding will help the association strengthen trade advocacy efforts, support international market access, and build relationships with important global trading partners. It will also help ensure that the interests of Canadian cattle producers are represented in international policy discussions.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support the continued growth and success of our beef sector. The strategic investments in market development, promotion and trade advocacy help Canadian producers expand their reach and showcase the high quality of Canadian beef around the world,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Leaders from both organizations welcomed funding. Canada Beef highlighted the importance of expanding international trade opportunities, while the Canadian Cattle Association said the support will help producers explore new export markets and participate in trade missions.
“Canada Beef applauds the Federal Government’s efforts to open and expand international trade opportunities for Canadian beef. Canada Beef holds a great deal of confidence in its partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the AgriMarketing Program to support and maintain global Canadian beef market development,” said Eric Bienvenue, President, Canada Beef.
The AgriMarketing Program is a $129.97 million initiative running from 2023 to 2028. It supports industry-led activities that help agricultural sectors increase exports, diversify markets, and capture domestic opportunities.
“With the support of the AgriMarketing Program, the Canadian Cattle Association can invest producer check-off funding dollars more effectively. AgriMarketing funding allows CCA to participate in federal trade missions, explore potential new export markets, and assure that the Canadian cattle producer voice and perspective is included in global policy decisions. We are grateful to have this financial support and the flexibility to determine how and where to focus our efforts,” said Tyler Fulton, President, Canadian Cattle Association.
The funding is being provided through the AgriMarketing Program, which operates under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
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