September 6, 2006

Canada to fill rising demand for bison meat in the US

American processors are looking to Canada for both bison meat and live animals as demand rises for healthier meats, according to Canadian local media. 

North American Bison Cooperative, the world's largest bison meat processor and marketer, expects to increase its purchase of bison meat by 42 percent, about a third of that coming from Canada.

Mark Silzer, president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association, said increased bison consumption is a sign of consumers shifting to natural and healthier food. It was also a sign of the success of a few restaurant chains which are now specialising in serving bison meat. 

As the US has now opened its doors to Canadian bison under 30 months of age, the price of bison meat has nearly tripled.

However, the restriction on ruminant animals, including bison, over 30 months of age, as well as breeding animals remains.

Chris Clark from the University of Saskatchewan argues that since bisons take more than 30 months to mature, and the 30 month rule was put in place to prevent mature cattle which are vulnerable to mad cow disease, bisons should be exempted from this rule.

Silzer added that getting rid of the rule would be a big boost to the industry.