Federal government supports bison industry

To kick off the International Bison Convention 2022 in Saskatoon, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $133,611 over two years to support economic growth for Canada’s bison industry.

"The holding of the International Bison Convention 2022 in Saskatoon is an excellent opportunity to recognize Canada’s rich bison history and reiterate our government’s support for this industry, which contributes to the vitality of our rural communities. This investment will help raise global awareness of Canadian bison to increase exports and stimulate growth of our economy," said Bibeau.

With funding under the AgriMarketing Program, the Canadian Bison Association will be provided with the necessary resources to increase its efforts to expand and grow market access in Europe and to increase exports of Canadian bison to the United States. This funding supports the delivery of the International Bison Convention 2022 as well as other engagement and advocacy activities.

"This investment is very important in assisting the bison industry in rebuilding European markets as well as supporting strategies to ensure growth in exports to the United States. A significant portion of the increase in consumer awareness and exports globally can be attributed to the ongoing funding received through the AgriMarketing Program," said Terry Kremeniuk, Executive Director, Canadian Bison Association

Live bison and bison meat exports reached nearly $90 million in 2021. 

There are nearly 150,000 bison on over 980 farms in Canada. Bison production in Canada is concentrated in the west, with 79 per cent of the herd in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

From July 12-15, 2022, the Canadian Bison Association, in partnership with the Saskatchewan and the U.S. National Bison Associations, is hosting the sixth International Bison Convention. The event is a gathering of stakeholders in the bison community from around the world including ranchers, First Nations, researchers, conservationists, marketers, chefs, consumers, and policy makers.