KAMLOOPS, British Columbia – The Government of Canada is helping the cattle industry stay ahead of the curve in the global marketplace. Member of Parliament Cathy McLeod (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $3 million to support the beef industry by developing new marketing opportunities, helping farmers and food processors boost their bottom line. This investment is in addition to the Government of British Columbia’s recent $2 million investment that will fund projects recommended by BC’s Ranching Task Force.

"Canadian beef producers are the best in the world and can be proud of their long-standing history of producing safe, high-quality products for Canadians and world markets,” said MP McLeod. “By investing in new market opportunities and research projects, the Government of Canada is helping farmers and food processors increase production and sales, ensuring they remain competitive and profitable into the future.”

Projects could include, among others: supporting trade missions to access emerging markets; producer education to meet consumer demands; new product development and branding; and consumer education initiatives to increase the demand for beef domestically.

 “We value our partnership with the federal government and the timing is ideal for this funding, as it complements the $2 million B.C. is also investing in ranching,” said B.C. Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson. “The beef industry is worth more than $250 million to the provincial economy and the hard work of B.C.’s Ranching Task Force is ensuring our 4,000-plus ranches remain healthy and vibrant.”

“New market opportunities are needed for our cattlemen to remain successful and today’s investments will go a long way to getting the premium prices that our hard working producers deserve from customers around the world,” said Judy Guichon, President of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. “Here in B.C., the local community enjoys eating local, grass raised beef and these investments will help spread the word about our high quality, safe food products here at home and across the Pacific in mainland China.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy.
This federal investment is made through the AgriFlexibility Fund, a five-year, $500 million fund created to: help reduce costs of production and improve environmental sustainability for the sector; promote value-chain innovation and sectoral adaptation, and respond to emerging opportunities and market challenges for the sector.

For more information on this program visit www.agr.gc.ca/agriflexibility.