Last week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, wrapped up a successful outreach to Alberta during the Calgary Stampede.
During his outreach, Minister MacDonald announced an investment of over $4 million for two organizations under the AgriMarketing Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Canada Beef is receiving up to $3,741,046 over two years and the Canadian Cattle Association is receiving up to $300,000 over two years to help grow the Canadian beef sector through market development, promotion, and trade advocacy at home and abroad.
Minister MacDonald also delivered remarks at several key industry events, where he reinforced the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the sector. The Minister spoke about actions the government is taking to ensure a resilient, innovative and prosperous agricultural sector now and into the future. This includes significant investments and initiatives such as the National Food Security Strategy, consultations towards the Next Policy Framework, continued support for Business Risk Management programs, reducing regulatory burden, and a focus on expanding trade and market access, and enhancing competitiveness.
Throughout the outreach, Minister MacDonald met with many producers and toured several active farms and ranches in southern Alberta. He heard first-hand about the opportunities and challenges experienced on-farm and how government can support producers to make their operations even more successful.
He also toured a diverse range of key agriculture-related businesses and facilities in and around the Calgary area. He had conversations about the importance of Alberta's value-added and processing sectors and how industry and government can continue to work together to further strengthen profitability and resiliency.
While touring the Stampede grounds, Minister MacDonald engaged with industry leaders, investors, veterinary medicine providers, processors and agri-food and beverage businesses. He had the opportunity to visit booths and displays that showcased the talent, innovation and dedication within Alberta's agricultural community.
Minister MacDonald also held roundtable meetings with industry groups representing cattle producers and feeders, farmers, processors, and crop commodities. Participants shared their perspectives on opportunities and challenges in their sectors, such as increasing access to key trade markets and reducing trade barriers, enhancing risk management programs, investing in innovation and resiliency, and continuing to engage with producers and processors to best support their businesses.
