OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said the government is investing up to C$543,271 to support efforts by the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) to grow the country’s exports of red meat. The CMC, which represents Canada’s federally registered meat packers, meat processors and suppliers of goods and services to the meat industry, plans to implement a global market strategy that will maintain existing markets and identify new opportunities to diversify trade.

“Canada’s red meat industry is a strong driver of our nation’s economy,” Bibeau said. “This investment will help the industry diversify its exports and develop markets by building new trade relationships. Our producers and processors are at the heart of the vitality of our rural communities, and we will continue to support them.”

The CMC will collaborate with the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) on activities such as trade missions, engaging with in-market intelligence specialists, and arranging inspection visits by international officials to demonstrate compliance with food safety standards for export, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food. In 2021, Canada’s red meat exports were valued at more than C$9.4 billion.

“CMC along with Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association are grateful for the support given to our industry through the AgriMarketing program,” said Chris White, president and chief executive officer of CMC. “This funding allows us to do valuable advocacy by reaching out to our counterparts and build allies to help influence decision-making in these markets. We are thankful that the government recognizes the importance of foreign markets for the meat industry as the demand keeps growing for our high-quality Canadian meat around the world.”