Federal government invests $4 million to boost Canadian beef exports globally
The funding targets priority markets in Asia, Latin America, and Germany to expand demand.
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The federal government announced Wednesday a $4 million investment aimed at growing the Canadian beef industry through expanded exports and market development.
Canada Beef will receive over $3.7 million over two years for a project designed to increase awareness and demand for Canadian beef and veal. The work focuses on what the government calls "priority and emerging markets": Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Colombia, and Germany, as well as Canada itself.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Cattle Association received up to $300,000 over two years to defend and expand market access for Canadian beef through trade advocacy, relationship-building with international partners, and promoting evidence-based trade rules.
"I'm here to stand shoulder to shoulder with these guys and the beef farmers across the country to make sure we do everything possible so they are sustainable and prosperous in the future," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald at a news conference held at Stampede grounds Wednesday.
Canada Beef president Eric Bienvenue highlighted the stakes: last year, Canadian beef exports generated record sales exceeding $5.3 billion. "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," he said.
Canadian Cattle Association president Tyler Fulton noted that securing market access is critical for the industry's resilience. "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," he said.
