British Columbia beef producers will receive a boost in the form of nearly $1 million targeted at a trio of marketing programs.
Nearly $900,000 from the Canada-British Columbia Ranching Task Force Funding Initiative is geared to help the British Columbia Cattlemen's Association (BCCA) develop education programs for the public to learn about the beef industry and product attributes; profile the British Columbia beef industry, giving producers up-to-date and accurate market information to assess their growth potential and become more profitable; and implement a research project to develop a beef value chain marketing strategy.
"Our government's top priority remains the economy and British Columbia's beef industry plays an important role in keeping our economy strong," said Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Conservative MP Cathy McLeod at the Friday, Feb. 24, announcement at Save-On-Foods in Sahali.
"Through this investment, beef producers will have the information and knowledge they need to get better returns from the marketplace, and the public will benefit from more information on both the industry and its products."
Kamloops-South Thompson Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger said the marketing programs will give ranchers the chance to expand opportunities and market-share domestically and overseas.
The BCCA has represented the interests of beef cattle producers since 1929.
It represents nearly 1,200 ranchers and approximately 72 per cent of the provincial cattle herd.
"The combined investment by the federal and provincial governments into these three projects is crucial for both the beef industry and the B.C. consumer," said BCCA president Judy Guichon.
– Kamloops This Week