Non-Refundable Beef Levy To Improve Marketing
CANADA - The Government of Alberta will make regulatory changes to enable a $1 mandatory, non-refundable national levy on beef and beef products to support the work of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency in marketing beef products nationally and internationally.
15 October 2010
2 minute read
The change was requested by the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the Alberta Cattle Feeder’s Association (ACFA). It will be collected through the ABP as a non-refundable levy that will support the national agency’s efforts and will expire on March 13, 2013.
“I am pleased the beef industry has come to an agreement on this issue and I thank them for their determination and effort,” says Jack Hayden, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who is currently in Japan promoting Alberta beef.
“A national approach to global markets makes good sense. As a leader in the beef industry, Alberta must be actively participating in the national approach to promoting beef and beef products.”
The ABP and ACFA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the $1non-refundable levy using ABP’s regulatory power under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act. Amendments to the Alberta Beef Producers regulations will allow the non-refundable levy to be implemented before the end of the year.
“This agreement is focused on accountability and results to ensure that the levy is benefiting producers,” says Doug Price, Chairman, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association.
“The MOA is a start to bringing organisations together and moving the beef industry forward so we can tackle issues of common interest.”
"By making the $1National Beef Check-off a non-refundable component, the National Agency will have a stable funding source for research and market development, which will help beef producers expand their markets and increase sales” says Rich Smith, Executive Director, Alberta Beef Producers.
"The beef industry will also be able to collect a levy on cattle and beef imported into Canada, totaling approximately $800,000 dollars per year, which will in turn help level the playing field for Canadian producers”.
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