The beef industry is raising concerns about the ongoing blockade and slowdown at the Coutts border crossing.
Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association putting out a joint statement Thursday calling for a timely resolution, and the restoration of our essential supply chain.
"ABP, ACFA, and CCA want to see the blockade resolved safely and effectively for truckers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, producers, and all involved. In 2020, food and agriculture were deemed an essential service to continue moving supply chains during the pandemic, and it is critical agriculture continues to be able to operate without disruption."
Dr. Melanie Wowk, ABP Chair, says further impacts to cattle prices must be avoided.
"Our focus remains on the people who are affected by immediate delays to the beef supply chain and ensuring the welfare of animals."
The groups raising concern that every day the industry is unable to move cattle, beef, or access feed puts the entire supply chain at risk.
"Canadian beef producers are already facing challenging supply issues from access to feed, following the devastating drought conditions in 2021, limited rail access, and trucking shortages. Blocking the transport of beef to cross border consumers is slowing down processing in Canada and creating a backlog at processing facilities, feedlots and farms and ranches. The obstruction is also blocking the growing critical supplies of feed that are needed across western Canada."
CCA President Bob Lowe says the points been made, adding that the blockade is preventing meat from moving south, which results in a slow-down at the packers, which will back up a whole bunch of cattle.
Greg Schmidt, with the ACFA says the unintended consequences of these closures and delays further affect already existing shortages.
"Shortages on products like animal feed that have been caused by drought, trade disruptions, and transport issues. Transportation delays can severely impact the beef supply chain, from cattle feed to grocery shelves."
On Wednesday, protesters at the Coutt's border crossing agreed to open two lanes of traffic - one north bound and one south.
Alberta RCMP reported a second blockade had been set up on Thursday going south on Highway 4 at Highway 501 in the Milk River area, about 18 kilometres north of Coutts.
RCMP say U-S bound vehicles, U-S citizens and residents of Coutts who were stopped at the blockade are being permitted through, but it's a slow process.
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