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KAMLOOPS
– The Province is providing $3.3
million to the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) to support the
implementation of the beef industry strategic plan by assisting in further
developing their domestic, national and international markets and continuing
the Farmland Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP), Agriculture and
Lands Minister Pat Bell announced today.
“The
cattle industry has seen its share of challenges recently and it is my intent
to work closely with the BCCA and its members to build a long-term future for
this industry,” said Bell. “Since the BSE crisis in 2003, the Canadian beef
industry has been shut out of many export markets. Many have now reopened, but
we must continue to work on marketing our cattle. We do that domestically by
encouraging people to buy local; we do it internationally through sound age
verification and beef production.”
The
B.C. Agriculture Plan and the recently completed Beef Industry Strategy have
identified the need for market development in the beef industry. The Age
Verification and Verified Beef Production programs are the foundation for the
beef industry to participate in the emerging market opportunities.
“We
are very pleased to accept these dollars that will extend two programs that are
vital for the ranching industry,” said Ed Salle, rancher and president of the
B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. “One program assists ranchers with verifying the
animal’s age and helps open the door to critical beef markets in Asia. The
other program helps ensure food safety and upholds consumer confidence in the
products and good practices of our beef producers.”
An
additional $300,000 is being provided to the BCCA to again deliver the Farmland
Riparian Interface Stewardship Program. FRISP is designed to help provincial
agriculture producers to protect and enhance water quality, to protect and
enhance riparian vegetation, and prevent and mitigate agricultural impacts on
streams and lakes. The goal of this program is to increase the long-term
stewardship capacity for the agricultural community.
Continuing
the FRISP complements the successful Environmental Farm Planning program
available provincewide. More information on the FRISP is available at www.cattlemen.bc.ca/FRISP.htm.
The
British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association has been the official voice of cattle
ranchers throughout British Columbia since 1929. For more than 75 years, the association
– whose membership is close to 1,500 ranchers – has represented the
interests of beef cattle producers in the British Columbia.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell) |
Communications Co-ordinator B.C. Cattlemen’s Association 250 573-3611 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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