Canadian Beef Import Levy Introduced

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

A new import levy will generate funds to boost research and marker development for Canada’s beef industry.  

Currently, a fee of $1 per head of cattle for beef marketed in Canada will now also be applied to importers. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Canada beef Chair Chuck MacLean made the announcement Tuesday at O’Brien Farms in Winchester, Ont.

"This new levy will provide a stable funding source for research, market development and promotion activities on domestic and imported beef and beef products, “said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

The Farm Products Council of Canada and Canadian beef has been pushing for this amendment for several years, explains Chuck MacLean, Chair of the agency. The import levy is expected to collect about $800,000 annually for Canada’s beef sector.