SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN — On July 13, at the commencement of the sixth International Bison Convention, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $133,611 over two years to grow Canada’s bison industry.

“The holding of the International Bison Convention 2022 in Saskatoon is an excellent opportunity to recognize Canada’s rich bison history and reiterate our government’s support for this industry, which contributes to the vitality of our rural communities,” said Bibeau. “This investment will help raise global awareness of Canadian bison to increase exports and stimulate the growth of our economy.”

Through the AgriMarketing Program, a federally funded program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that aims to increase exports to international markets, the Canadian Bison Association received over $100,000 in funds, which the newly announced investment will add to.

“This investment is very important in assisting the bison industry in rebuilding European markets as well as supporting strategies to ensure growth in exports to the United States,” said Terry Kremeniuk, executive director of the Canadian Bison Association. “A significant portion of the increase in consumer awareness and exports globally can be attributed to the ongoing funding received through the AgriMarketing Program.”

The International Bison Convention 2022 was funded through AgriMarketing, and the Canadian Bison Association plans to deliver more engagement and advocacy activities in the future.