Federal government announces $4

The federal government announced Wednesday a $4-million investment to help grow the Canadian beef industry.

Canada Beef is getting more than $3.7 million over two years through a project designed to increase awareness and demand for Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers.

The work will focus on "priority and emerging markets," which include Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Colombia and Germany, as well as Canada.

Meanwhile, the feds are also providing the Canadian Cattle Association up to $300,000 over two years to "defend and grow" market access for Canadian beef. The funding is being used for trade advocacy, "strengthening key international relationships" and promoting "evidence-based, trade-supportive rules."

"I'm here to stand shoulder to shoulder with these guys here today and the beef farmers across the country to make sure we do everything possible that they are sustainable and prosperous in the future no matter what geopolitical situation we find ourselves," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald during a Wednesday news conference at the Stampede grounds.

Canada Beef president Eric Bienvenue applauded the federal government's effort to open and expand trade opportunities for Canadian beef.

Last year, Canadian beef exports generated record sales of more than $5.3 billion, he noted.

"Canada has always been a trading nation. We export half of almost everything we produce in the highest-value markets on Earth, and that reach comes right back to the farmgate," said Bienvenue.

Canadian Cattle Association president Tyler Fulton said investment to ensure and secure market access is critical for the resilience and the growth of the industry.

"We saw a two-and-a-half-per cent increase in the cow herd last year, and with conditions today I'm really optimistic about the future," said Fulton.

In a statement, Alberta Beef Producers chair Doug Roxburgh said the organization is encouraged to see continued investment in initiatives that support market development and trade advocacy for Canada's beef sector.

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