Growing the Ontario Cattle Industry Would be Good News for the Economy and for Voters
CANADA - The Ontario Cattlemen's Association yesterday (OCA) released an economic impact analysis of the Ontario cattle and beef industry that shows that growth in the production of cattle could produce the same economic benefits for Ontario as an additional car assembly plant. OCA also released public opinion research that shows that voters would support a government that supports growing the production of beef in Ontario.
30 May 2007
2 minute read
The economic impact analysis was conducted by the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. The findings of the study show that cattle and beef production is an important part of the economy of Ontario and Canada and that an increase in the production or trade of cattle and beef would have a net positive impact on job creation and economic growth.
Ian McKillop, OCA President.
According to the study, the estimated value of beef production in Ontario, using 2005 values, is $1.2 billion and the total economic impact of the beef sector in Ontario as measured by value-added gross domestic product, or GDP is slightly over $736 million. The cattle and beef sector also generated over 11 thousand jobs in Ontario during that time.
This study shows that a 50% increase in the Ontario beef sector would generate over 6,000 new jobs for Ontarians, more jobs than are generated by an auto plant. This increase is possible using existing infrastructure.
"The economic impact study showed what those of us in the cattle and beef industry already knew. The cattle and beef industries are major contributors to the Ontario economy", says Ian McKillop, OCA President. "Any increase in investment in our industry generates job, both on and off the farm."
The public opinion research released today was conducted by Innovative Research Group from January 12 to January 18, 2007. The study surveyed 600 adults, 18 years of age or older, who were asked about their opinions on issues impacting the Ontario beef industry and the agriculture sector in general.
The key findings of the survey were:
- Voters believe agriculture is a viable ongoing part of the economy and strongly believe in supporting the family farm.
- Policy initiatives which help farmers have wide-spread support.
- Voters are likely to support parties which are pro-agriculture.
- Voters will reward governments that support farmers.
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