July 15, 2009 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
A new initiative to export Canadian bison to the Middle East will expand, diversify and strengthen the competitiveness of Canada's economy. Bison Feeder Co-operative of Saskatchewan will market their products to the Middle East with assistance from Western Economic Diversification, which provided $81,207 to the Co-operative to expand bison product markets and open new trade routes.
"Prairie bison producers have worked hard to develop a new market for bison meat in the Middle East, and our Government is proud to have supported them in these efforts," said Gerry Ritz, Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster. "I attended the Gulfood Show in Dubai earlier this year where I saw first-hand the success bison can have in international markets."
"Canada's prosperity depends not just on meeting the challenges of today, but on building the dynamic economy that will create opportunities and better jobs for Canadians in the future," said Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. "Introducing this unique Canadian product to new markets in the Middle East will diversify and increase sales for Western bison producers and create jobs for Canadians."
This initiative aims to establish a market for bison products in the Middle East. Bison Feeder Co-operative of Saskatchewan will achieve its goal by establishing an online presence in the Middle East, expanding trade markets to the retail and food service sector and incorporating bison products in everyday Middle Eastern meals through education and awareness.
"The grants received from Western Economic Diversification have helped Canadian Prairie Bison Value Chain initiatives expand into the United Arab Emirates," said Roger Provencher, Marketing Manager for Bison Feeder Co-operative of Saskatchewan. "This expansion is a great opportunity for producers as it increases the demand for high-quality Canadian products."
This venture aligns with the Government of Canada's key export priority of value chain development. Value chains develop a value-added product by linking production, processing and marketing activities to market demands by facilitating collaborations between producers and/or business enterprises. A linkage between the Bison Feeders Co-operative of Saskatchewan and markets in the Middle East will allow bison producers to be more competitive in international markets.
Western Economic Diversification in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West, and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing & Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5942
Roger Provencher
Marketing Manager
Bison Feeder Co-operative of Saskatchewan
660 Main Street
Canwood, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-468-2930
Website: http://www.cdnbison.com/
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
