NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009AL0002-000054 June 30, 2009

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

 

GOVERNMENT, RANCHERS COLLABORATE ON NEW DIRECTION

 

VICTORIA – A Ranching Task Force will focus on setting a new direction for the B.C. cattle industry, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson announced today at the task force’s first meeting in the Lower Mainland.

 

“It’s become obvious that we need to explore innovative ways of doing business in order to sustain this vital industry,” said Thomson. “This task force will bring together a range of knowledgeable people, and together we’ll make recommendations that will revitalize ranching in British Columbia.”

 

 The new Ranching Task Force is co-chaired by B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) president Roland Baumann and the recently appointed parliamentary secretary to the Ranching Task Force, Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. Discussions will centre on ways government and industry can work together to ensure a more profitable, self-sustaining industry in the long term. 

 

“Having industry and government at the same table should bring some good ideas forward and allow us to move quickly,” said Baumann. “B.C.’s ranchers have a proud heritage; that’s why we’re looking ahead, and making sure we have a strong industry so the next generation can benefit from it as well.”

 

            The task force was announced by Premier Gordon Campbell earlier this year at the BCCA AGM in Kamloops. Premier Campbell noted the cattle industry’s importance to the province and that given the current fiscal situation, regulatory changes would need to be discussed in order to sustain it. Lake is also eager to work with ranchers to improve their ability to compete in today’s markets.

 

            “Our cattle industry has a tremendous product and a huge potential market for it right here in B.C.,” said Lake. “We want to see more B.C. families seeking out local beef for their table, and we’ll be exploring opportunities to do that along with other strategies to make the ranching industry successful.”

 

            In the interests of saving money and reducing impacts on the environment, future meetings of the Ranching Task Force will make use of video and teleconferencing options. The group is expected to make its recommendations to the minister of agriculture and lands by the fall of this year. For more information on the task force members and terms of reference, please visit www.ranchingtaskforce.gov.bc.ca.

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BACKGROUNDER

 

RANCHING TASK FORCE MEMBERS

 

The Ranching Task Force will bring together the talents and experience of many people, including members of government, the cattle industry and the agricultural sector in general. The members are:

 

·        Dr. Terry Lake, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force, Co-Chair

·        Roland Bauman, President, British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, Co-Chair

 

·        Ed Salle, Past President, British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association

·        Judy Guichon, Vice President, British Columbia Cattleman’s Association

·        Bill Freding, President, British Columbia Association of Cattle Feeders

·        Karen Kochel, President, British Columbia Breeders & Feeders Association

·        Andy Dolberg, Executive Director, British Columbia Agriculture Council

·        Robin Smith, President, British Columbia Food Processors Association

·        Ella Brown, Independent Rural Representative

 

·        Larry Pedersen, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (ex-officio)

·        Dana Hayden, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Forests and Range (ex-officio)

 

For member bios and more information on the Ranching Task Force, please visit www.ranchingtaskforce.gov.bc.ca.

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Contact:

Liz Bicknell Communications Director Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell)

 

 

 

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