Ottawa Announces Funding to Promote Canadian Beef

Jul 09, 2024

The federal government on Monday announced more than $6 million to help boost international demand for Canadian beef.

The money from the federal AgriMarketing Program is earmarked for two beef and cattle organizations, with Canada Beef receiving $5.86 million, and the Canadian Cattle Association getting just over $453,000.

The investment aims to drive the growth of Canada’s beef industry through promotional activities – such as advertising campaigns, incoming and outgoing trade missions, technical training, and educational seminars - that increase awareness and demand for Canadian beef in existing and new markets, said a government release.

The value of Canadian beef exports has increased in recent years. From 2018 to 2022, the value increased from $2.7 billion to $4.7 billion, and, in 2023, the value of Canadian beef exports exceeded $5 billion.

In 2023, the top importing countries for Canadian beef included the US ($4 billion), Japan ($351 million), Mexico ($284 million), South Korea ($122 million), and Vietnam ($79 million).

Source : Syngenta.ca

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.