Marketing fund for cattle and beef widens its Alberta scope
News release
July 8, 2009 Marketing fund for cattle and beef widens its Alberta scope More dollars available for broader-based projects Edmonton Changes to an agreement between the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the province mean more Alberta-based projects with broader objectives will be eligible for the Canadian Beef and Cattle Market Development Fund (CBCMDF). The governments of Canada and Alberta, in collaboration with industry, launched the initiative with contributions of $50 million and $30 million respectively. Commonly referred to as the Legacy Fund, the initiative was created in 2005 following the discovery of BSE in the Canadian cattle herd. "Expect to see more dollars flowing soon to bolster Alberta marketing projects," said George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. "We’re still feeling the impact of trade restrictions from BSE, but we know there is tremendous opportunity to develop market access for Alberta beef and cattle genetics." Changes to the fund include an expanded list of eligible activities in conjunction with a wider range of potential applicants. "The enhanced agreement provides greater flexibility for fund recipients to develop Alberta beef and genetics export marketing programs", said David Andrews, Chairman of the Canadian Cattlemen Market Development Council, the entity created by CCA to oversee the Legacy Fund. "The ability for all industry players to respond to market development opportunities will provide long-term benefits for the beef industry". The Alberta-CCA agreement will now be administered by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), a catalyst organization incorporated in January 2009 to build a strong, sustainable future for the province’s livestock and meat industry. ALMA Board Chair Joe Makowecki said these funds are in addition to the $30-million suite of ALMA programs designed to spur industry innovation and diversification. "We know Alberta’s role as a major exporter of livestock and meat is eroding, even though meat consumption grows two per cent annually," said Makowecki. "Both of these initiatives offer support to projects to provide global customers with the products they are demanding." For more information on the CBCMDF, visit www.cattle.ca. For more information on the ALMA, visit www.alma.alberta.ca. - 30 - Backgrounder: Media inquiries may be directed to: Communications Director Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency 780-951-3061 To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Sharon Jensen Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-275-8558