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Statement from the Canadian Cattlemen's
Association on Federal-Provincial Disaster Assistance for the Cattle
Industry
June 18, 2003
While there are still a
number of details to be worked out, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
today described the announcement of a federal-provincial assistance plan for
the cattle industry as “welcome news”.
The disaster relief
announcement will help get the domestic cattle market operating at more normal
levels, for the benefit of all those employed in production of beef and related
industries. However the industry’s first priority remains restoring
international trade relations, especially in the North American and Asian
markets.
The Canadian Cattlemen’s
Association is particularly encouraged that today’s announcement includes a
facility to review conditions upon notification of the re-opening of the U.S.
border to determine what if any further action may be needed. While regaining
access to U.S. exports is key to the recovery of the Canadian beef industry,
it’s important that the provincial and federal governments recognize that
market conditions may not return to normal immediately.
There are two components to
the assistance plan. The first involves compensation payments to sellers
of slaughter cattle when the price of cattle falls below a reference price,
based on market value in the U.S. The second component involves payments
to processors to help them move surplus products with few markets in Canada
that are presently filling their cooler space and preventing processors from
purchasing additional cattle. These surplus products are usually sold
into export markets and include such items as offal, i.e. tongues, kidneys,
tripe and other internal organs.
For further information:
Cindy McCreath, Communications
Manager, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
403-275-8558
www.cattle.ca |
