Edmonton…Industry partners are using investments of $27 million in Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) funds to leverage projects to a total value of $92 million.
Since April 1, 2009, ALMA has received 277 program applications and has approved 124 projects with an additional 100 projects pending.
“We have money to invest and we expect to see results,” says Gordon Cove, President and CEO of ALMA. “We recently invested in a lamb traceability pilot project, a pork vertical integration model and a bison industry business plan strategy project.”
ALMA is also supporting a number of beef projects relating to quality, marketing, improved processing, information exchange, as well as genomics and health related issues.
“We are working with industry on ideas that will help improve their profitability,” continues Cove. “These approved projects will help industry move forward over the long term.”
With the objective of driving transformational change, ALMA’s investments help industry leverage their projects for maximum gain for the livestock and meat sectors.
“ALMA’s investment dollars speak volumes about who we are,” said Cove. “We’re firmly committed to supporting industry and we believe that the approved projects can help make industry more competitive and profitable.” With a high volume of applications coming into ALMA each week, the ALMA team is working hard to administer these potential projects and move them through the approval process.
“We look for strong projects that will advance Alberta’s livestock and meat sectors,” adds Cove. “We’re on the same page as industry – we all want to see results.”
ALMA focuses on achieving an internationally competitive and profitable livestock and meat industry. It has a $30-million suite of programs aimed at helping move the industry forward. ALMA’s five programs include: international market development, value-added market development, research and development, industry development, and on-farm technology adaptation. The two Growing Forward programs include automation and lean manufacturing, and business and product development.
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For more information contact:
Terry Willock
Communications Director, ALMA
(780) 638-1929