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The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) have welcomed a recent announcement that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will fund the salaries of Dr. Óscar López-Campos and Dr. Nuria Prieto at the University of Guelph for a two-year period.

According to the organizations, the funding will help revitalize the University of Guelph's meat science program, sustain ongoing industry research, and provide training opportunities for students and future beef researchers.

The announcement addresses one of the key requests made by the CCA and BCRC following AAFC research cuts announced earlier this year. Both organizations acknowledged the efforts of the University of Guelph, AAFC, and the two scientists in securing the funding arrangement.

Dr. Óscar López-Campos has been instrumental in advancing beef carcass grading technology and played a leading role in the harmonization of Canadian and U.S. yield grades. He is also recognized for his engagement with young producers through annual 4-H competitions in Alberta.

Dr. Nuria Prieto's research focuses on beef tenderness, flavour, and juiciness, helping researchers understand how production systems and cattle diets influence consumer preferences and the competitiveness of Canadian beef in international markets.

"While the funding announcement is positive for the Canadian beef industry, it is important to note that AAFC's salary support is for a two-year period," said CCA President Tyler Fulton. "We strongly support the University's ongoing efforts to build the case to make these permanent faculty positions within the Ontario Agriculture College."

The development follows the closure of AAFC's Lacombe Research and Development Centre in January, part of broader agriculture research reductions. The facility housed Canada's only beef carcass quality and meat science research program.

Industry groups say preserving research data, technologies, and equipment developed at Lacombe will be essential to maintaining Canada's competitiveness in beef production. Transitioning these resources to the University of Guelph would allow previous investments by industry and taxpayers to continue delivering value while strengthening future research initiatives.

The Canadian beef sector says it will continue supporting research efforts at AAFC facilities and universities across the country to enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Canada's cattle and beef industries.

Source: Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA).
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