Fredericton, New Brunswick, March 23, 2012 - New marketing and business opportunities are on the horizon for New Brunswick beef producers, hops growers and beer brewers with two new investments announced today by Member of Parliament Mike Allen (Tobique-Mactaquac), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
"The Government of Canada's top priority is the economy, and Maritime agriculture is a key driver," said MP Allen. "With these investments in marketing and innovation, regional producers in the cattle and brewery sectors will become more competitive and boost their bottom lines."
The New Brunswick Cattle Producers will receive up to $132,000 to help its members become more competitive by aligning production practices and record keeping to out-of-province market requirements. Project results will include better animal identification and animal health protocols. By matching production to the requirements of other markets, New Brunswick beef producers will be better able to market their beef and receive the premium prices.
"Our industry has changed a lot in the last several years, and this project will help our producers move their production forward to meet the changing demands," said Jennifer MacDonald, president of the New Brunswick Cattle Producers.
The New Brunswick chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers will receive up to $96,000 to help Maritime hops growers and microbreweries improve crop management practices and identify the best hops varieties for microbrewers, including organically grown hops. The goal is to grow better hops and in the process develop a stronger value chain that benefits growers and microbrewers. Seven hops growers are involved in the project-three from New Brunswick, three from Nova Scotia and one from Prince Edward Island.
"There is strong interest from microbreweries to use more regionally grown hops, and this project will help increase the capacity of the sector to meet that growing demand," said Beth McMahon, national Executive Director of the Canadian Organic Growers.
These investments come from the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-14) initiative that helps the agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. The New Brunswick Agricultural Council delivers the program in the province.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa (Ontario)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
