Ottawa, Ontario, July 30, 2013 –Today, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Canada Beef Chair Chuck MacLean welcomed a new import levy that will provide new investments in research and market development for Canada's beef industry. An amendment to the Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Levies Order will see the current levy of $1 per head of cattle for beef marketed in Canada applied to importers.
"This is good news for Canadian beef producers and the cattle industry," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This new levy will provide a stable funding source for research, market development and promotion activities on domestic and imported beef and beef products."
Canada Beef estimates an additional $800,000 will be collected through the import levy on an annual basis, and these funds will help increase the profitability of Canada's beef sector.
"The Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC) and Canada Beef have been collaborating on finalizing this amendment for several years now," said Chuck MacLean, Chair of the agency. "This will help beef producers expand their markets and increase sales and fund research projects, as well as provide increased access to information on beef products to Canadian consumers."
"Establishing a Promotion and Research Agency helps agricultural producers expand their markets and increase sales," said Laurent Pellerin, Chairman of the FPCC. "It also benefits consumers from increased access to information on products, including their quality and their nutritional values."
Canada Beef, formerly known as the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, was established in 2002 under Part III of the Farm Products Agencies Act. The Agency was formed to fund promotion and research initiatives and was the first Promotion and Research Agency established under the Act.
Promotion and research agencies enable agricultural groups to conduct generic promotion and research to expand their markets and increase sales through advertising. The FPCC supervises agencies established under the Act to ensure that they fulfil their objectives. In this way, it promotes a stronger and more efficient Canadian agriculture industry.
For more information, media may contact:
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Laurent Pellerin
Chairman
Farm Products Council of Canada
Council Operations and Communications
613-759-1412
Ron Glaser
Canada Beef
VP Corporate Affairs and Operations
403-275-5890
