Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined farmers, exporters, and industry stakeholders at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Minister MacAulay began his visit by giving remarks at the “Burning of the Brand,” the ceremonial opening of the CWA, where he emphasized the importance of Agribition and of helping young people grow their passion for agriculture.
Minister MacAulay also delivered remarks at the Indigenous Agriculture Summit, highlighting investments in Indigenous-led initiatives, including the Bridge to Land-Water-Sky Living Lab, and his commitment to ensuring full and equal participation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in agriculture and food.
At the Grain Expo, he emphasized the importance of Canada’s grain industry and staying on the cutting edge of innovation, and noted an announcement made by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, of a federal investment of over $11.8 million for 10 projects to support new technologies for a range of agri-businesses in Saskatchewan—from farm machinery and food processing to Indigenous farming.
Minister MacAulay also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Canadian cattle sector where he highlighted a new federal investment of up to $5,440,882 for 5 projects funded under 3 programs, aimed at improving market access, helping producers adopt more sustainable practices, and promoting Canada’s strong reputation as a leader in top-quality beef production.
The CWA brings the agricultural community together to celebrate innovation and the hard work of our farmers. The investments announced by Minister MacAulay and Minister Vandal underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Canada’s beef sector and ensuring a strong, resilient future for Canadian agriculture.
Quotes
Agriculture is at the heart of so many communities across the country. The Canadian Western Agribition is a great example of what makes Canadian agriculture so special, bringing together farmers who raise top-quality cattle and showcasing the very best of what we have to offer. It’s the hard work of our farmers and the innovation in our industry that keeps us moving forward, and it’s always inspiring to see the passion and dedication that drives this sector.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The Canadian beef cattle industry is world-class, and we continue to work to improve and share our story. We are thankful to have a government partner in doing this work—on the farm with Verified Beef Production Plus, in our value chain through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, in classrooms with Guardians of the Grasslands, and in research to improve producer protection. There is a lot happening in the industry and a lot to be proud of. We appreciate Minister MacAulay and his government’s support of the CCA and its divisions, which work tirelessly for cattle producers.”
– Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association
“Genetic selection is a key component of sustainable beef production and Canada’s top-quality beef cattle genetics are well-known and sought after around the world. The funding received through the AgriMarketing program will strengthen our ability to work with and on behalf of our members to promote Canadian beef cattle genetics in key foreign markets and expand market opportunities for Canadian beef cattle breeders.”
– Shawn Wilson, Chair of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council
Quick facts
- The Canadian Cattle Association is receiving over $4,569,682 million for 4 projects through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component and the AgriCompetitiveness Program to:
- improve its Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program
- update 2 key Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef assurance systems: the National Beef Sustainability Assessment and the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework
- develop the Grassland Production Index User Interface, a digital forage insurance system and risk management tool
- expand the Guardians of the Grasslands Game into classrooms across 8 new provinces and develop a tradeshow version of the game
- The Canadian Beef Breeds Council is receiving up to $871,200 over 3 years through the AgriMarketing Program to grow the Canadian beef genetics industry by improving market presence in established and emerging markets and promoting the high quality and sustainability of Canadian beef cattle genetics.
- The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector.
