Two national cattle organizations are receiving a combined $4 million in funding from the federal government, through the Agri-Marketing Program.
Canada Beef is receiving up to $3,741,046 and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) up to $300,000 over two years, up to 2028, according to a news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
AAFC says the funding for Canada Beef will allow them to continue raising awareness and demand for high-quality Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers.
For the CCA, the funding will enable them to continue advocating for diversified trade, strengthen relations with international markets, and promote evidence-based, trade-supportive rules.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath McDonald made the announcement Wednesday in Calgary during the Stampede.
McDonald said the investment will "expand our beef markets even more."
"I think it's extremely important that we trade with about 54 countries around the world right now, and it's important that we continue to build on that and we continue to build on our CUSMA review. It's an important market for us; we're joined at the hips. I don't have to explain to the beef farmers in this room how important that market is, but it's also important that we move markets as well and try to open up diversification." McDonald said.
The Federal Minister also noted the beef sector is doing well financially, citing 2025 farm cash receipts for cattle and calves were $20.6 billion dollars with over 40 per cent of it coming from Alberta.
President of the CCA Tyler Fulton said the investment is critical to ensure and secure market access and to support the growth of the industry, given "today's environment, in particular with all of the geopolitical, disease, and weather risk."
"And we are in a growth phase. We saw a two-and-a-half percent increase in the cow herd last year, and with conditions today, I'm really optimistic about the future." Fulton said of the national herd.
"Whether it's used to support our advocacy in the U.S., ensuring policymakers understand the importance of barrier-free trade in the context of this (new world) screw worm impacted market, or it's in developing new emerging markets like Indonesia and meeting the unique challenges associated with a long-term relationship and growth in that market, all of this investment is put to great use."
In a news release, President of Canada Beef Eric Bienvenue welcomed Ottawa's "efforts to open and expand international trade opportunities for Canadian beef", adding "Canada Beef holds a great deal of confidence in its partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the AgriMarketing Program to support and maintain global Canadian beef market development."
The Agri-Marketing Program is a $129.97 million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
