Our September Issue

https://www.yesgroup.ca

September 2023

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Ag Officials Meet to Strengthen Food Security and Trade Across North America

Experiencing Wagyu Beef from Japan

2023 World Meat Congress

Government Taking Action to Support Drought-stricken Western Producers

16 18 22 24

Atlantic Beef Products Look to Brazil for Skilled Workers A Steak in the Future: McMaster Researchers to Play Leading Role in Putting Cultured Meat on the Table

FCC: Top 4 Canadian Agrifood Exports to Watch for the Rest of 2023

Urgent: Help Wanted

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PUBLISHER

Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusinesspro.ca

MANAGING EDITOR

Scott Taylor publishing@meatbusinesspro.ca

DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR

Cam Patterson cam@meatbusinesspro.ca

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cam Patterson, Jack Roberts, Wade Hemsworth, Martha Roberts, SeoRhin Yoo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Patrick Cairns

Meat Business Pro is published 12 times a year by We Communications West Inc

AG OFFICIALS MEET TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY AND TRADE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and their state and provincial counterparts from the United States, Mexico and Canada met in August and issued a joint statement underscoring the role of states and provinces in protecting food security and improving the competitiveness of North American trade during the 32nd annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord.

NASDA Vice President, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur led the U.S. delegation for the conference.

“By collaborating as a North American alliance, we have and will continue to expand opportunities for trade and increase resources available to farmers and ranchers to produce our food, fiber and fuel. We look forward to continuing to advance food security in our states, countries and across the world,” Arthur said.

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The three countries held productive sessions on the importance of regulatory harmonization across North America, giving particular attention to improving the reliability of international supply chains, using science-and-evidence-based decision making for establishing policies and expanding North American trade with emerging markets globally. Delegates also discussed ways to ensure all farmers and ranchers have access to new technologies and developing agricultural and economic opportunities for indigenous communities.

In addition to the joint communiqué, a statement from tri-lateral meetings and statements from bilateral meetings between each country were published at the accord.

The Tri-National Agricultural Accord is the primary opportunity for senior state and provincial agricultural officials of the United States, Canada and Mexico to work together on agricultural trade and development issues. The accord represents a longstanding commitment to collaboration on trade between the three countries, and the current meeting arrangement dates back to 1992.

NASDA will host the 33rd annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord on behalf of the United States in 2024.

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.

THE BEEF, PORK

POULTRY INDUSTRY DIGITAL MAGAZINE

EXPERIENCING WAGYU BEEF FROM JAPAN

In early September, 200+ meat industry professionals that included butchers, grocers, importers, exporters, trade association representatives, and media, attended an informative event promoting Japan Wagyu Beef hosted by the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (J-LEC).

This unique event provided an opportunity for a wide range of food professionals to meet and to network and included two masterclasses in Wagyu butchery and recipe preparation.

Tomohiro Tanaka, a Master Butcher from Japan, provided a cutting and slicing demonstration as a Shoulder Clod was skillfully separated into five separate muscle groups and a Chuck Roll was separated into two sections to showcase the rich marbling. Tanaka lectures at the renowned Federal Meat Academy of Japan on meat trading, beef and pork cutting and processing, and pre-prepared meat items. This legendary Master Butcher has given cutting demonstrations in more than 20 countries around the world, and he provided insights into Wagyu beef through a detailed comparison of cut types.

This event also featured Patrick Kriss, a Michelin star Chef and Founder of Alo Food Group, who provided a masterclass with several delicious Wagyu beef recipes. Kriss has been featured in top media outlets, including CTV’s Your Morning, Global News, CBC, and Breakfast Television. He was named Outstanding Chef of 2017, 2018, and 2019 by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, and in 2017,

Alo was crowned Canada’s Best Restaurant. Alo also ranks on San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Also on hand from Japan were representatives from Marufuku Inc., Wajin Trading Co. Ltd., Nikujille Co. Ltd., Oitaken Chikusankosya Co., Ltd., Brand Oita Exportation Promotion Council Livestock Products Committee, S Foods Inc., Starzen Co., Ltd., ZEN-NOH International Corp., and The Butcher Shoppe. Following the presentations, a networking session was held, and attendees enjoyed samples of Wagyu Chuck Tataki and Wagyu Ribeye.

The Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (J-LEC) was in Canada to promote key points about the status and value of Wagyu beef including:

• DEMAND: Wagyu beef remains in high demand worldwide due to its reputation for being tender, marbled, and flavorful. The demand is driven by both domestic and international consumers. Wagyu beef has seen a 400% increase in exports over the last five years.

• REPUTATION: Wagyu beef is often associated with luxury dining experiences, and it is featured on the menus of highend restaurants around the globe. The exclusivity and perceived quality of Wagyu contributes to its high market value.

• PRICE: Wagyu beef commands a premium price compared to other types of beef. The pricing is influenced by various factors, including the Wagyu cattle's genetics, the care and feeding practices, and the grading of the meat.

• IDENTIFICATION: Individual identification numbers are used to trace Wagyu cattle’s place and date of birth, sex, breed, genetic history, transfer information, fattening period and processing information.

• GRADING: Wagyu beef grading is divided into two categories including yield grade and meat quality grade. The highest grades, such as A5 in Japan, signify the most exceptional quality and bring the highest prices. Japan is the only country in the world that registers every head of purebred Wagyu stock.

• FOOD SAFETY: As the international meat distribution network becomes more complex, all standards including ISO, FSSC, SQF are followed to ensure mitigation.

• AVAILABILITY: Wagyu beef is more widely available than in the past, with an increasing number of restaurants and retailers offering it to consumers. It can also be purchased online from specialty suppliers.

• ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: There is growing interest in the ethical and sustainable production of Wagyu beef. Some producers emphasize responsible breeding and feeding practices, as well as transparency in sourcing.

QUICK FACTS:

• Japan exports more than 80,000 tons annually of Wagyu beef to countries all over the world.

• Japan has four main breeds of Wagyu – Black, Brown, Shorthorn and Polled. Over 97% of Wagyu is Black.

• The herd naturally has large genetic diversity and does not need the cross breeding found in many Wagyu producing countries in their efforts to replicate Wagyu’s soft, smooth texture and delicious flavor.

• Japan’s stringent standards of beef and fat colour levels, and product tracing that includes registration certificates of nose prints, collection and storage of DNA, sets it above the rest.

• The production is comprehensive, with each cow receiving great care, nutritious feed and high-quality rice straw.

• The fattening period for a Japanese black domestic calf is about 600 days.

• Shipping age is 28-30 months at a shipping weight of approximately 780 – 800 kg.

• Each animal has a pedigree registration and is traceable from birth until it is sold as meat.

• Grading across Japan is uniform across the country, with standards set for Meat Yield (A, B or C) and Meat Quality (1 to 5).

• Four main factors that influence the grading are:

o Level of marbling

o Meat colour and luster

o Fat colour, luster and marbling

o Meat firmness and texture

The term Wagyu is defined as Japanese beef cattle and the name is derived from the combination of two words - 'Wa' meaning Japanese and 'gyu' meaning cow. While other countries raise cattle with the goal for the beef to be tender and aromatic, the authenticity of this exceptional meat is solely with the country of Japan.

For more information on the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (J-LEC), visit http://jlec-pr.jp/en/

• Its authenticity and distinctive interaction with lactones set Japanese Wagyu beef apart.

• The combination of the beef being high in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and low melting point may be considered a health benefit as it may reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.

• Japan goes so far as to issue Certificates of Authenticity and QR codes, upon request.

2023 WORLD MEAT CONGRESS

Issues such as consumers wondering whether eating meat affects their health and whether they can help save the planet if they eat less meat. They are also concerned about the welfare of animals in livestock farming. It seems more and more politicians are trying to discourage the production and consumption of meat. The legislative framework for livestock farming and meat production is becoming stricter. Meanwhile production costs are rising, and it is increasingly difficult to find skilled workers.

Experts from around the world will be in attendance at this event to share their vision and their knowledge as outlined in four of the examples below.

MEAT IS HEALTHY FOOD

Professor Luc van Loon is a world-leading scientist and is professor of Nutrition and Exercise at the Academic Hospital of Maastricht University. Connected to the universities of Melbourne and Brussels, Professor Van Loon studies the effects of meat protein in relation to vegetable protein in the human diet. He will present his new research results which show a clear positive relationship between the protein source in the diet and the muscle buildup of men. Van Loon presents his scientific evidence at the World Meat Congress in Maastricht.

As a point of interest, Professor Van Loon was also involved in the group of scientists who advised professional cyclist Tom Dumoulin when he won the Giro d'Italia.

The international meat industry is facing many challenges which will addressed at the upcoming 2023 World Meat Congress to be held from October 11-13 in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

CHINESE MARKET

The optimal value of all meat cuts is one of the prevailing challenges the global meat society encounters. For this, meat producers can benefit from global cultural culinary differences. The Chinese market is especially important for the cuts that are in limited demand on the producers’ home markets.

NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA

Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing

REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING

services in Canada. The website combines information on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF International Canadian office with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality.

Jason Clay, Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), presents his strategy to reduce global warming. Global warming is both a challenge and an opportunity for the meat sector. The WWF wants to tackle global warming in collaboration with the meat sector worldwide and together develop sustainable meat supply chains.

Clay will lead a session to discuss our ambitions to reduce global warming along with new, scientifically based strategies to achieve those goals. He will show how smart and sustainable choices throughout the entire production chain ensure that the CO2 footprint of pork and beef can be significantly reduced through effective cooperation in the supply chain.

Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing, consulting, technical services, training and education, food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development.

NSF International’s Canadian website provides information on the following services:

ANIMAL WELFARE, MARKET AND SOCIETY

Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits and certifications, which are integral components of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management system registration.

Gemma Willemsen of animal welfare NGO 'Eurogroup for Animals' will be talking about the cooperation between NGOs and meat producers. By developing standards and labels together, we can better sell meat with higher levels of animal welfare. Willemsen will elaborate on the opportunities this offers for humans and animals. She also explains how companies and NGOs can work together successfully on improving animal welfare.

Consulting: A full-service team approach providing technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range of food safety and quality services. NSF International provides finished product inspection testing for food, packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and insight to protect the brand, technical support services from on-site temporary or permanent technical staffing placements, and various types of consulting.

Gaining access to the Chinese market is one key factor. Retaining access is another. Particularly in view of the global animal health situation, more specifically the African Swine Fever situation. And what about the impact of the recent global pandemic and the various ambitious for food security and food autonomy in the different parts of the world? How is China addressing these issues?

A distinguished speaker from the Chinese industry, Chen Wei, Vice President of the Chinese Meat Association, will share China’s views with the audience.

For more information, visit https://www.

accredited International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment. Additionally, the website includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario

Other speakers in the same session also give their views on the preconditions for successful collaboration and broad acceptance of products with more animal welfare in the market. For example, companies must work together to protect the investments of those who are willing to invest in more animal welfare. Several markets already show a substantial market share (>50%) in meat with more animal welfare. That is the result of effective cooperation between NGOs and companies.

Technical services: A one-stop solution for food product compliance and formulation, from concept to finished product, including food and label compliance, packaging, product and process development, and shelf-life and product evaluation.

Training and education: Training for the global food and beverage industry across the supply chain as an

GOVERNMENT TAKING ACTION TO SUPPORT DROUGHT-STRICKEN WESTERN PRODUCERS

The Canadian Government has announced an initial list of designated regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba where Livestock Tax Deferral has been authorized for 2023 due to extreme weather conditions.

The Government recognizes the significant challenges livestock producers in Western Canada are facing due to exceptionally dry conditions. Compounded by subsequent years of drought, pastures and forage production are significantly impacted, leading to low feed supplies for livestock. The government stands with farm families during this difficult time and is taking action to respond.

“My heart goes out to farmers and ranchers who are affected by these extreme weather conditions. Early designation of the Livestock Tax Deferral provision provides assurance so they can make informed decisions to manage their herds. We have also enhanced support available under BRM programs and we will continue to work closely with provinces to get producers the additional support they need as quickly as possible,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

The Government has also worked quickly with the governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan on joint AgriRecovery assessments to examine the impacts of the drought and wildfires. Work with provinces is urgently progressing to finalize the AgriRecovery process and to determine any additional support required to cover the extraordinary costs incurred by producers.

https://www.beaconmetals.com

The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows livestock producers who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought or excess moisture to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year. The income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, thus reducing the tax burden associated with the original sale.

As a preliminary list of prescribed drought and flood regions is usually completed in the early fall, designation of this provision earlier in the year helps provide assurance for producers as they make difficult herd management decisions. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor conditions across the country and will add other regions throughout the year if they meet the criteria.

Producers have access to a comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs that are the first line of defense for producers facing disasters, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest. The Government has already supported requests from British Columbia and Alberta for late participation in AgriStability, as well as requests from British Columbia and Saskatchewan to increase the interim payment rate under AgriStability from 50% to 75%. Minister MacAulay also highlighted federal support for British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to make a oneyear adjustment to the AgriInsurance program to make more drought-damaged crops available for feed. This increases the amount of crops available for livestock producers in this time of need.

QUICK FACTS

• The criteria for identifying regions for Livestock Tax Deferral is forage yields of less than 50% of the longterm average caused by drought or excess moisture. Eligible regions are identified based on weather, climate and production data, in consultation with industry and provinces.

• Under the Livestock Tax Deferral provision, to defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%.

• In the case of consecutive years of drought or excess moisture and flood conditions, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed.significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage.

• Producers have access to a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage.

• AgriRecovery is not a program but a framework which forms the basis by which federal-provincial-territorial governments can work together when natural disasters occur to assess the impacts and determine whether there is need for an AgriRecovery initiative. Initiatives focus on assisting with the extraordinary recovery costs to recover from a disaster and are not intended to address revenue losses, or duplicate support already available by existing government programs, including business risk management programs.

THE BEST DEFENSE

• The main steps of the agrirecovery process are:

A STRONG OFFENSE

PROMOTING THE HEALTH BENEFITS

o REQUEST FOR AN ASSESSMENT: a provincial or territorial government requests that a joint assessment of a disaster event be initiated.

By Ronnie P. Cons

Red meat is often wrongly portrayed as being unhealthy. some in the media as unhealthy or not environmentally friendly.

o ASSESSMENT: a joint assessment is undertaken examine the disaster and impacts, determine if there are extraordinary costs and measure the capacity of existing programs to help producers recover.

o DECISION AND AUTHORITIES: findings from the assessment form the basis on which governments decide whether or not to implement an AgriRecovery initiative.

Vegan, fish and other non-meat diets have been proposed as healthier alternatives. The result of this onslaught of negative meat messages has influenced many families to cut back on their meat and poultry purchases. Perceptions may reality but truth trumps misinformation. Parents and other consumers want what is best for their health and that of their families. They are also aware that a lot of false information is out there and as such, are open to scientific facts that can correct their misconceptions.

o AGREEMENT ON THE TECHNICAL DETAILS: governments work together to finalize the technical details of the initiative.

liver, 625 spinach. Iron found found absorption.

o LAUNCH OF THE INITIATIVE: the initiative is launched and program materials are made available.

This provides an opportunity for retail meat departments to implement an instore ‘Healthy Meat Facts’ nutritional campaign to set the record straight and convince their customers that meat and poultry are actually good for one’s health and that they should increase rather than decrease their purchases of it. The campaign outlined below can have a direct impact on sales:

o PAYMENTS: submitted applications are processed and payments are made to eligible producers.

2. Eat Being linked Dr. Charlotte California, Zinc is preserves

3. Boost Due to antibodies chronic

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has several resources and tools under Canada’s Drought Watch to help farmers understand the extent, severity and effects of drought and plan for potential future challenges.

Start by displaying instore posters promoting the nutritional value of meat. They should be innovative, eye catching and be designed to specifically contradict any meat myths. The comments should all be literature based quoting research papers or MDs for maximum effect. Various posters should be made - each with a brief but powerful message covering one theme.

Posters can convey the following healthy meat fact

4. Power The protein Muscles building The protein growth

5. Meat Meat contains body cannot isoleucine, threonine, protein.

mg of iron, she would need just 300 grams of cooked bovine

6. Eat Meat contains production functioning Say ‘hello’ acid, vitamin The line only apply meat health Facts’ and poultry. education Ronnie P. meat and

https://www.mmequip.com

ATLANTIC BEEF PRODUCTS LOOK TO BRAZIL FOR SKILLED WORKERS

Atlantic Beef Products is going abroad to find specialized staff because it's having a hard time finding the right workers on P.E.I.

The meat packing company is heading to Brazil for a recruitment mission with the goal of finding between 15 and 30 workers who have experience in the beef processing industry.

Company recruiters, with the help of provincial and federal immigration officials, will visit the Brazilian cities of São Paulo and Goiânia over a seven or eight-day stretch in late September.

"Brazil has a very large beef processing industry, and Brazil, there's a lot of interest from people who want to come to Canada — potentially to live here as a permanent resident some day," said Russ Mallard, Atlantic Beef Products president.

The company is specifically looking to find industrial beef cutters — people who can make skillful beef cuts that work for both retailers and restaurants.

Mallard said that while people can be trained to do that job, it takes time for workers to become proficient at it.

The company is specifically looking to find industrial beef cutters, people who can make skillful beef cuts that work for both the company's retail and food service clients.

"Most of the workers that we hire here either locally or through various immigration programs don't necessarily come to us with the skills that we need," he said.

"It can take a year or two for these people to get really good at these particular jobs, and the nature of meat business across the country is that there's a reasonably high turnover rate in the industry. So we find ourselves training people and training people."

Mallard said young people are not as interested in getting into the butcher trade, and that there's a lack of training programs available in Atlantic Canada.

He said getting workers from other provinces is also a challenge.

education, know English or French and have the financial means to move to Canada.

Atlantic Beef Products has received about a hundred applications so far, but only 15 per cent meet those requirements, Mallard said.

Russ Mallard, the president of Atlantic Beef Products, says the company would likely be facing a 'desperate' labour shortage if it didn't have international workers.

NEW SURREY SLAUGHTERHOUSE ‘WOULD OPEN DOOR’ TO NEW BEEF MARKETS

The president said once the workers relocate, the company will help sponsor them with their permanent residence application.

He said if the company didn't recruit workers through immigration programs, Atlantic Beef Products could face "possibly crippling" labour shortages.

Proposed 30,000-square-foot beef abattoir in Cloverdale would be B.C.’s largest such facility

By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News

"It's not quite as easy to get folks to move to another part of Canada," he said. "As lovely as P.E.I. is, it's not always potentially workable as it is for people that view Canada as a really attractive opportunity."

A federally licensed beef processing facility is in the works in Surrey, BC.

'Desperate' worker shortage without immigration programs

The company won't be recruiting temporary foreign workers, but looking to fill permanent positions, Mallard said.

“There’s a new building coming forward, a new abattoir, I think that’s the French pronunciation of slaughterhouse,” said Councillor Mike Starchuk. “So Surrey will have a newer facility with a better capacity so people will have the ability to not have to ship an animal to Alberta to have it processed. The applications have gone through the Agricultural and Food Sustainability Advisory Committee.” The facility is proposed on a 25-acre property within the Agricultural Land Reserve at 5175 184th St. The planned 30,000-square foot abattoir in Cloverdale would process up to 100 head of cattle per day.

The recruits would be immigrating through provincial permanent residence streams, which means they must meet requirements like having a high school

According to a city report, that would make it larger than any other processing facility in B.C.. But it would still be small by industry standards, compared to the largest meat processing plants in Alberta that process 3,000 heads of cattle per day.

The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed

"In P.E.I. it's very obvious to us that if we didn't have an immigration assistance program here and we weren't actively trying to help people come to Canada, that we would have a very desperate shortage of employees," he said.

so as to not emit odours. And while there is an operational 6,000-square-foot abattoir on the property now, it’s can only process a limited number of cattle.

Chris Les is general manager of Meadow Valley Meats, the company behind the project. Meadow Valley Meats is seeking a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license for the proposed abattoir, to become a federally registered meat establishment and expand the operation. This would allow the meat products to be transported beyond B.C.’s boundaries.

Mallard said they've had workers from Brazil in the past and that they've been able to contribute "right away." This is the first time the company is sending a recruitment mission to the South American country.

Atlantic Beef Products currently employs about 180 people on P.E.I., Mallard said.

Article courtesy of CBC – www.cbc.ca

“Our focus is on trying to bring a more efficient, sustainable local product to the market, realizing we can do that now in a very limited sense,” said Les. “I caution people when talking to them and they say, ‘What a big plant, that’s going to go allow you to go mainstream.’ Well, yes, if you look in the context of B.C., but this is still a very niche plant and we’ll serve a niche industry for producers and for the market. It’s certainly not going to be a monstrosity of a plant but it’ll be a big upgrade from the site currently.”

Continued on page 32

https://www.tcextrade.com

A STEAK IN THE FUTURE: MCMASTER RESEARCHERS TO PLAY LEADING ROLE IN PUTTING CULTURED MEAT ON THE TABLE

By Wade Hemsworth

A team of McMaster University researchers is taking a leading role in a Canadian initiative aimed at making cultured meat more affordable and accessible to everyday consumers.

The project, announced September 6 and supported by a $10-million investment organized through Genome Canada, will bring together experts from multiple postsecondary institutions across the country. These include a significant contingent from McMaster, where seven researchers, led by tissue-engineering expert Ravi Selvaganapathy of the School of Biomedical Engineering, will contribute their expertise.

The team will work to develop an efficient, nutritious biological process for making meat without slaughtering animals by combining cultured muscle and fat cells on a plant matrix to recreate the familiar look, texture and taste of meat from animals.

The ultimate goal is to produce slabs of cultured beef comparable to traditional steaks. Similar technology could be used to make pork, poultry and other meat.

Making cultured meat can help meet the growing global demand for protein while avoiding the slaughter of animals and significantly reducing the environmental impact of producing meat from traditional animal sources.

“We have spent the last few years focusing on tissueengineering methods to create meat tissues that can closely resemble the texture and taste of muscle tissue,” says Selvaganapathy, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Biomicrofluidics.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Genome Canada and assemble a consortium of experts from across Canada to propel this field forward and support Canadian companies in this space.”

bit as much as we are as to attain a high level of sustainability. Anyway, we were very surprised when the PEI Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm.

Cultured-meat products now coming onto the market in places such as the U.S. and Singapore are expensive, Selvaganapthy explains. And because they are made using extruded biological pastes, they don’t fully recreate the appearance and texture of natural meat.

CMB: And then you were attending the Canadian Beef conference in Calgary and you won.

The Canadian project aims to develop a homegrown manufacturing process by exploring ways to reduce the cost of each step in the production process, with the goal of making cultured meat production economically viable.

DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it.

Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization advancing genomics research in Canada. Working collaboratively with diverse partners, the organization supports and funds projects that leverage genomics and related technologies to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal benefits.

CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward?

DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot of good press highlighting the island cattle industry. I’m positive you’ll see more farms in our neck of the woods https://www.yesgroiup.ca

The cultured-meat project involves

meatbusiness.ca

The cultured-meat project involves industry, government, NGO and academic partners, including researchers from McMaster, the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of Guelph and Ottawabased Collège La Cité. Project partners will seek to optimize every aspect of cultured meat production to establish Canada as a global leader in this rapidly developing field.

The project’s comprehensive approach includes exploring different cell sources for cultivation, developing cost-effective growth media, enhancing bioreactor capabilities for rapid and high-density cell growth, and incorporating plant-based scaffolds to reduce the number of cultured cells required.

The project will integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to make production as streamlined and efficient as possible.

The researchers plan to conduct nationwide surveys to gauge consumer perceptions and preferences and to use the findings to guide their work, so the final product meets the expectations and requirements of Canadian consumers.

They will pay special attention to the perspectives and preferences of Indigenous communities, who hold unique perspectives on food production and consumption.

With its ambitious scope and comprehensive approach, the Canadian initiative aims to make a significant step forward in the cultured-meat industry, Selvaganapathy says.

By leveraging emerging technologies and established expertise from multiple institutions, the project aims to create an ecosystem that supports and advances the field, fostering the development of innovative companies across Canada.

For more information, visit https://brighterworld. mcmaster.ca/ or https://genomecanada.ca/

FCC: TOP 4 CANADIAN AGRI-FOOD EXPORTS TO WATCH FOR THE REST OF 2023

By Martha Roberts, Economics Editor, Farm Credit Canada

Overall global trade is expected to flounder throu ghout 2023 amidst weaker global economic growth, troublesome inflation and geopolitical turmoil, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It’s also changing shape, the UN’s latest report notes, with “friend-shoring” (the prioritization of trade partners with similar political values) and less diversity of trade partners characterizing trade patterns since late 2022.

Production of many agri-food products is expected to increase in 2023 year-over-year (YoY), but some of the same forces could constrain their global trade.

PORK EXPORTS

For Canada, export volumes of four of our largest-value agrifood products show uniquely distinct patterns relative to levels achieved during the first three years of the pandemic (2020 – 2022). Pork volumes had fallen from their pandemic highs through the first four months of 2023 when they were more in line with volumes exported pre-pandemic in 2018 and 2019 (Figure 1). Similarly, export dollar values have declined. That was almost all due to a drop-off in our exports to China since 2020, when it was our largest market and our exports peaked.

In May and June 2023, exports picked up to levels that had stabilized YoY. While exports to China were still down, and export volumes to Japan, our third-largest market, had also fallen since 2020 by 21.5%, there was some good news.

Canada’s pork exports to the U.S. thus far in 2023 are 33.6% higher than 2020 volumes. They’ve fallen YoY, but our 2022 volumes were the highest of the last five years by a considerable margin. The pandemic did not boost our pork sales there, and they’ve been growing strongly since.

Canadian total beef export volumes since 2018 show an overall slowdown in 2020 and a steady climb through 2021 and 2022. In 2023, export volumes are 7% higher than the five-year average (2018 – 2022) for the first six months of each year (Figure 2) and are on pace to beat the 2020 and pre-pandemic volumes. They have fallen off the pace set in 2021 and 2022. However, while export volumes are below 2021 and 2022, the value of beef exports continues to exceed 2022 record levels. Exports to the U.S. have driven growth, where threequarters of Canadian beef exports go yearly.

China, Japan and the U.S. comprised 63% of Canada’s total pork export volumes in 2022.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the U.S. to Canada’s cattle and beef sectors. As the world’s largest consumer of beef, they take a healthy chunk — nearly half — of our domestically produced cattle and beef, leaving Canadian producers in a precarious position should, as in 2020, exports to the U.S. start to fall off. But growth to other markets has been challenging.

Figure 1: The pandemic boosted overall Canadian pork exports

Figure 2: Beef export volumes rebound after pandemic decline

China has used a single instance of BSE found on a Canadian operation in 2021 to justify halting all beef imports from Canada, a ban still active in 2023. Japan, the second-largest market for Canadian beef, while important is low volume but a focus on high-end cuts. Although our exports to Japan have grown between 2018 and 2022, they’ve remained low volume, with 13.5 million kilograms shipped there this year. This compares to the 160 million kilograms sent to the U.S. in the first six months of 2023. The situation is another reminder of the urgency to get more Canadian red meat exports over European borders.

CANOLA EXPORTS

Canadian canola export volumes are seeing some muchneeded growth in 2023 after a steep decline in 2022 when supplies from the drought-ravaged 2021 crop weren’t available. And the re-opening of China’s border to Canada’s canola in 2022, after three long years of Canadian producers needing to find alternate markets, is also helping (Figure 3).

The impact of the 2021 drought on canola exports was felt in a 29% YoY decline in that year’s export volumes, followed by a further 32% YoY fall in 2022. Droughts elsewhere in key regions growing oilseeds used in vegetable oils, along with the growth of oilseed use in the rapidly expanding biofuels market, have produced a global shortage. In Canada, the extent of the damage wiped out the gains made in 2020, when exports climbed 42.8% YoY. Exports to Japan, our second-largest market, drove most of those gains, while growth in our exports to China is driving this year’s growth. In fact, China was the top destination for Canadian canola each year except in 2020, between 2018 and 2022.

Figure 3: The year of the pandemic’s start and the 2021 drought impact on canola exports

WHEAT EXPORTS

Overall, wheat exports climbed 14.6% YoY in 2020. The pandemic has boosted Canada’s wheat exports from the second quarter of 2020 until August 2021 (Figure 4). This coincided with a period during which concerns about food sovereignty and security were heightened by concerns of supply chain chaos, and the boosted volumes would have likely continued had the 2021 drought not also hit Canadian wheat hard. Post-harvest exports in 2021 dropped off a cliff, and 2022 export volumes were lowered by 50% for the year, despite the YoY production growth in the 2022 crop.

In 2023, the evident growth in 2022 picked up even more momentum. Exports to date are on pace to equal the volumes exported in the first six months of 2021 before the impacts of the drought were felt. While China, our largest export market for wheat, led the gain in 2020, it was also a leader in 2021 and 2022. But this year, growth in our wheat exports is also driven by increases in other key markets. Japan, the U.S. and Indonesia have either boosted or stabilized their import volumes of Canadian wheat over the last four years. Despite reduced export volumes for both wheat and canola, strong global grain and oilseed prices following Russia’s war against Ukraine meant the value of Canadian exports rose sharply as production recovered in the fall of 2022.

Given the severity of the current drought impacts on Canadian crops and livestock, export volumes will likely be impacted for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024. However, exports remain equally important to Canadian agriculture and may offset the impact of reduced volumes. The value of exports will largely depend on global supply and demand fundamentals and prices of both crops and livestock.

For more information, visit https://www.fcc-fac.ca/

Figure 4: 2023 wheat exports pick up where 2022’s growth led

URGENT: HELP WANTED

Labour shortages continue to threaten the future of agriculture

As the soft autumn breeze grazes over falling leaves, Canadian farmers are harvesting, pulling in longer hours to make up for labour shortages and get their crop off. At the start of 2023, agri-businesses reported low optimism levels, citing labour shortages and input cost constraints limiting their growth and profitability, a trend that has persisted throughout the year.

According to research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the agriculture sector is once again sitting at the bottom of the optimism scale in August and is at the largest risk of closures compared to twelve other sectors. With a possible exodus of soonto-retire producers and the lack of young ins to replace them, pessimism is tightening its unforgiving grip on the industry.

In April, 77 per cent of small agri-business owners revealed that they were working more hours to make up for labour shortages. In addition, 55 per cent reported employee(s) having to work more hours, and 45 per cent indicated cancelled or deferred business investment/expansion plans (11% above the national sectoral average). Shortage of labour is continuously blamed as the highest constraint on sales or production growth and producers are itching for change.

While some make the overly simple suggestion that increased compensation can lead to better recruitment and retention rates, agri-businesses are struggling with cost increases from all sides. From increases in carbon taxes to payroll taxes on top of inflation, environmental disasters, supply challenges, sky-high interest rates and debt repayment deadlines approaching, the industry is at a financial impasse.

Business owners value their employees and want nothing more than to pay them fairly. In fact, when agribusiness owners were surveyed on what their business would do with the savings generated if governments were to reduce the overall burden of taxes and fees, 47 per cent indicated that they would increase employee compensation. Other options to address labour shortages, such as investing in automation, received lower scores.

This is why CFIB is urging federal and provincial policymakers to address this challenge by exploring tax relief.

With 82 per cent of agri-businesses quoting fuel and energy cost as their biggest major input cost constraint, parliament must work quickly this fall to expedite the passing of Bill C-234: An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Other tax and regulatory costs such as CPP and EI premium increases should be suspended until businesses make economic recovery, and fertilizer emission reduction targets should continue to stay voluntary.

Of course, this is not to say that governments have turned a blind eye to this alarming issue. They have put great effort into trying to solve this age-old problem. The federal government launched a consultation early last year asking stakeholders for recommendations to tackle labour shortages in agriculture, provincial and federal governments worked collaboratively to expand the immigration & foreign worker system, as well as provided support programs for businesses to turn to automation.

However, time and time again, the devil proves to be in the details. The very pricey Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) needed to hire foreign workers remains a headache for employers who are having to file the same information annually, slowing down the already lagging timeline. Funding programs for small businesses are often not well promoted, and many eligible candidates remain clueless about the existence of said support programs (not to mention the funding never being enough to cover the total cost of transitions).

Businesses simply can’t afford to rely on measures that will send them jumping through hoops just to be in the know, or to apply for a program that ‘could maybe potentially’ benefit them. Canada must remember that relieving labour shortages is the key to ensuring the industry’s future and global food security and heed our producers’ calls. We must provide cost relief so farmers can do what they do best – feeding Canadians.

Get involved in our campaign to support Bill C-234 to help reduce costs for farmers and protect our food supply: https://initiatives.cfib-fcei.ca/en-ca/ saveourfarms

Not a member? JOIN CFIB today for more help and information

SeoRhin Yoo is a Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and mediumsized businesses with 97,000 members (4,500 agribusiness members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca. Businesses, available on the CFIB website in both English and French.

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