August 22, 2013
Canada's beef industry to receive US$14.7 million investment
In order to boost the industry's competitiveness in an increasingly global and high-tech market, Canada's beef industry will receive a CAD14 million (US$14.7 million) investment.
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) will manage the funds, which will go toward a research cluster of industry experts, scientists and universities. Research in key areas will include improving beef quality and food safety; animal health and welfare; feed production and efficiency; and sustainability. The funding will be spread out over five years.
"Research drives the improved production efficiencies that enable cattle producers to raise more beef using fewer resources," said Martin Unrau, CCA president. "The research objectives of the Beef Cattle Industry Science Cluster under Growing Forward 2 will build on the successes of the first cluster and further improve efficiencies that enhance the overall sustainability of Canada's beef cattle industry."
Canada's provincial governments are contributing an additional CAD1 million (US$954,000), and the beef industry will contribute CAD5 million (US$4.8 million) raised through the industry's check-off programme.
