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The Government of Canada is investing more than $4 million to support the growth, market development and international competitiveness of the Canadian beef sector.
The funding, announced July 8 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, will be provided to Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association through the AgriMarketing Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Canada Beef will receive up to $3,741,046 over two years, from 2026 to 2028, to support efforts to build a dynamic, profitable and competitive Canadian beef and veal industry.
The organization will focus on increasing awareness and demand for Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers.
The Canadian Cattle Association will receive up to $300,000 over the same two-year period to support efforts to defend and grow market access for Canadian beef.
The funding will help the association advance trade advocacy, strengthen key international relationships and promote evidence-based, trade-supportive rules.
According to the federal government, the investments are intended to increase the visibility of Canadian beef products, create opportunities in targeted markets and diversify Canadian exports.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support the continued growth and success of our beef sector,” MacDonald said.
“The strategic investments in market development, promotion and trade advocacy help Canadian producers expand their reach and showcase the high quality of Canadian beef around the world.”
Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue welcomed the investment, saying the organization has confidence in its partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support global market development.
Canadian Cattle Association President Tyler Fulton said the funding would allow the organization to participate in federal trade missions, explore potential new export markets and ensure Canadian cattle producers have a voice in global policy discussions.
The AgriMarketing Program represents a $129.97-million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion federal-provincial-territorial agreement running from 2023 to 2028.
The program supports national, sector-led initiatives aimed at increasing and diversifying exports while also pursuing domestic market opportunities.
The federal government has also committed an additional $75 million over five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, to expand the AgriMarketing Program.
The expanded program includes two new streams focused on market diversification for national industry associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The government says the additional funding will support Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector—including the fish and seafood industries—in responding to market instability and pursuing greater market diversification.
For more information about the AgriMarketing Program, visit the Government of Canada website at agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrimarketing.
(Source: Government of Canada)
