Canada allocates US$4M to expand beef exports, trade opportunities
Funding will support export promotion, trade advocacy and international market development.
CANADA – The Canadian government has committed more than US$4 million to two leading beef industry organisations under the AgriMarketing Program as part of efforts to increase exports and strengthen the country’s presence in global beef markets.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced that Canada Beef will receive up to US$3.74 million between 2026 and 2028 to promote Canadian beef and veal to consumers and buyers in both domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has been awarded up to US$300,000 over the same period to support trade advocacy, build stronger relationships with international partners and encourage the adoption of science-based trade policies.
Canada Beef president Eric Bienvenue said the organisation welcomed the federal government’s continued support for expanding international trade opportunities for Canadian beef products.
Bienvenue added that the funding would help the organisation increase awareness of Canadian beef in existing markets while pursuing opportunities in new destinations.
CCA president Tyler Fulton said the AgriMarketing funding would enable the association to participate in federal trade missions, identify potential export markets and ensure the views of Canadian cattle producers are represented in international policy discussions.
The association also said its involvement in global trade forums is intended to support market access and promote trade rules based on scientific evidence.
According to the Canadian government, the beef industry contributed US$29 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product on average between 2021 and 2023, making it one of the country’s most significant agricultural sectors.
Official figures show Canada produced 3.44 billion pounds of beef, including offal, in 2023, representing a 4.6% decline compared with production recorded in 2022.
Industry data also indicate that farms with fewer than 47 beef cows accounted for 596,419 animals, representing 16% of the national herd, while operations with between 47 and 122 beef cows managed 956,118 beef cows, equivalent to 26% of the country’s total herd.
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