Our March Issue

March

Educating and Attracting Foreign Workers in Canada

Educating and Attracting Foreign Workers in Canada

Government Announces Funding to Improve Sustainability Benchmark for Agri-food

Government Announces Funding to Improve Sustainability Benchmark for Agri-food

Pickleball Canada Thinks Turkey for National Protein Partnership A

Pickleball Canada Thinks Turkey for National Protein Partnership A

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USDA to Assist Communities Affected by Catastrophic Wildfires

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Meat Snacks Market Projected to Reach $13.87 Billion US

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Educating and Attracting Foreign Workers in Canada

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The Two-Legged Factor in Animal Welfare

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Government Announces Funding to Improve Sustainability Benchmark for Agri-food

Pickleball Canada Thinks Turkey for National Protein Partnership

A Step Back in Ending Carbon Pricing on Food Production

Ray

Jack

Phone:

Meat

USDA TO ASSIST COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an aid program to assist with recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma. By early March, around 1.3 million acres had burned across both states. USDA staff are ready to respond with a variety of programs and other assistance to agricultural producers and communities in need.

When a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the president under the Stafford Act, USDA has an emergency loan program that provides eligible farmers lowinterest loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. USDA also offers additional programs tailored to the needs of specific agricultural sectors to help producers weather the financial impacts of major disasters and rebuild their operations.

Farm Service Agency programs for affected producers include the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and FarmRaised Fish Program and Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

USDA has also expanded authorization of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres to support the relocation of livestock for grazing purposes. This includes all counties in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

USDA can provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. In Texas, USDA is opening a special sign-up for $6 million in EQIP funding for eligible practices related to wildfire recovery, including emergency animal mortality management and prescribed grazing.

Farmers and ranchers needing to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters can apply for assistance through USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program. This program provides assistance to remove debris from farmland, replace watering facilities and repair or replace fences including livestock cross fences, boundary fences, cattle gates or wildlife exclusion fences on agricultural land.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

MEAT SNACKS MARKET PROJECTED TO REACH $13.87 BILLION US

Research and Markets has issued a report indicating the Global Meat Snacks Market is forecasted to be priced at around $13.87 billion US by 2030. In the past few years, the popularity of meat snacks has surged, transcending cultural barriers and nutritional alternatives. From traditional jerky to progressive protein-packed types, they offer handy, flavorful options for on-the-go purchasers searching for enjoyable, portable protein sources. This popularity stems from their versatility, lengthy shelf life, and alignment with low-carb and high-protein diets. Also, the upward push of health-conscious clients seeking alternative snacks has fueled their demand. As a result, meat snacks have become a ubiquitous desire for satisfying cravings and fueling active lives globally.

GLOBAL MEAT SNACKS MARKET IS ANTICIPATED TO

INCREASE AT A CAGR OF 6.31% DURING THE FORECAST PERIOD 2024 TO 2030

The demand for sustainable brands is experiencing a market surge. Consumers increasingly gravitate toward companies adopting zero-waste control and eco-friendly packaging. This shift displays a developing recognition of environmental worries and a desire to guide ethical and responsible enterprises. So, manufacturers prioritizing sustainability entice conscious consumers and push a market boom, capitalizing on the demand for environmentally friendly options within the meat snack enterprise.

Moreover, the global meat snacks market anticipates a surge in demand driven by the growing appreciation for natural plant-based alternatives. Consumers are increasingly attracted to meat alternatives that provide fitness benefits by being separated from chemical components. This shift displays a broader trend towards aware consumption as individuals search for cleaner, more sustainable choices. With a focal point on organic, plantbased snacks, the market is poised to cater to the growing need for healthier options, shaping the future of the meat snacks market. Hence, the global meat snacks market was $9.04 billion US in 2023.

North America was considered the dominant region in the global meat snacks market. The rise in the rate of snack food intake, surge in demand for convenience food products, and increase in the number of domestic and international manufacturers in the region have all driven the value sales growth of the market. Furthermore, processing modifications, such as slow meat roasting and value addition with exotic spices, as exhibited by brands such as Wild Zora and Wilde Boldr, have captured the imaginations of younger consumers seeking complete and portable protein-snacking solutions. The developing recognition of grass-fed meat snacks that are preservativefree and portion-controlled with a combination of flavor profiles and bite types is anticipated to support the growth of meat snacks in relatively mature markets of developed nations.

JERKY PRODUCTS DOMINATE THE GLOBAL MEAT SNACKS MARKET

By products, the global meat snacks market is fragmented into Jerky, Sticks, Sausages, and Others. Jerky Products is predicted to assert dominance in the worldwide meat snacks market. This is because of their comfort, portability, and extended shelf life. Protein bars enchant athletes and busy specialists for their versatility as a quick and enjoyable snack. Moreover, the numerous flavors and textures jerky gives cater to diverse tastes, further solidifying their reputation. With a growing demand for on-the-go, protein-packed options, jerky merchandise is a go-to choice for snack fans worldwide.

TRADITIONAL MEAT SNACKS ARE ANTICIPATED TO REMAIN PREVALENT IN THE GLOBAL MARKET

By nature, the international meat snacks market is separated into Conventional and Organic. Conventional meat snacks are projected to hold the highest proportion in the market. This is due to their installed customer base and full-size availability. Despite the upward push of alternative options, conventional meat snacks preserve enduring appeal rooted in familiarity and agreement. They provide a feel of indulgence, pleasure, comfort, and a variety of flavor picks. This entrenched market presence

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and non-stop innovation to meet evolving customer alternatives ensure that traditional meat snacks remain dominant in the global market landscape.

DEMAND FOR MEAT SNACKS IN GLOBAL SUPERMARKETS AND HYPERMARKETS IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN HIGH

By distribution channels, the meat snacks market is categorized into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, and Others. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are expected to hold a sturdy foothold in the worldwide meat snacks market. This is owing to their convenience and massive product offerings. These retail giants offer numerous meat snack options, making them easily accessible to consumers. Moreover, their strategic part in city and suburban regions guarantees extensive availability. With the capacity to leverage economies of scale and implement sufficient advertising and marketing strategies, supermarkets and hypermarkets are poised to preserve their high market proportion in the meat snacks enterprise.

UNITED STATES IS EXPECTED TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE GLOBAL MEAT SNACKS MARKET

By countries, the global meat snacks market is divided into North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland), Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa), and Rest of World. The United States is poised to guide the global meat snacks market. With a tradition that favors proteinrich snacks and a vast populace of on-the-go purchasers, the demand for meat snacks always remains excessive.

For instance, the Food and Health Survey Spotlight of 2022 discovered that nearly 73% of clients snack once a day, and 14% tend to snack more than twice daily. Moreover, the United States boasts a strong meat manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, ensuring ample delivery. Also, various flavors and formats cater to multiple tastes, bolstering the market. These factors put the United States at the leading edge of the worldwide meat snacks industry.

COMPANY ANALYSIS:

• Nestle

• Hormel Foods

• Conagra Brands

• Bridgford Foods

• Hershey

• Associated British Foods

• Tyson Foods

• Danish Crown

• Kerry Group

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

REPORT SEGMENTATION BY PRODUCT:

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

• Jerky

• Sticks

• Sausages

• Others

BY NATURE:

• Conventional

• Organic

NSF International in Canada recently launched a new website - www.nsfcanada.ca - to give Canada’s growing and complex food and beverage industry easy access to the global public health organization’s expertise and 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.

BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Online Retail Stores

• Others

THE GLOBAL MEAT SNACKS MARKET COVERS 21 COUNTRIES:

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.

• North America

• United States

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

• Canada

• Mexico

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.

• Europe

• Germany

• United Kingdom

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Switzerland

• Asia Pacific

• Japan

• China

• India

• South Korea

• Indonesia

• Australia

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.

• South America

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

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.

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• South Africa

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

• Rest of World

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 drinking water programs.

EDUCATING AND ATTRACTING FOREIGN WORKERS IN CANADA

By Omar Kaywan, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Goose Insurance

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially ended the Express Entry pause to help employment slots be filled in key sectors, including the agriculture field. The Canadian government has an urgent need for workers in specific sectors to help the country grow and succeed. With a shortage of skilled labour in Canada, there is opportunity for companies to hire foreign workers to spur economic growth, and to provide immigrants with quality jobs to improve their lives and personal economic outlook.

The agriculture field is a job market that is in demand throughout most provinces in Canada including Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba. According to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, the agriculture sector in Canada will have about 100,000 unfilled job positions by 2030. This is where the opportunity for foreign workers to enter the workforce in Canada comes into play.

Currently, Canada welcomes around 500,000 new immigrants every year (which is one of the highest rates per population of any other country). According to Canada’s Immigration Ministry almost 100 percent of Canada’s labour force growth can be attributed to immigrants, and by 2036, immigrants are expected to make up about 30% of the country’s population.

There are multiple programs in place such as the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FWSP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and more that can work specifically to place foreign workers in agriculture jobs throughout the country, but it can be confusing to navigate what requirements workers must meet, even with the Express Entry pause ended, it can take longer than workers and companies would prefer if they don’t have everything in place.

Consulting agriculture firms looking to hire and attract these foreign workers in Canada can help make the process easier by educating themselves, and prospects, on the requirements they must meet for Express Entry by focusing on:

* What insurance coverage is required

* What options for insurance coverage are available that are affordable

* How they can get this information to prospective foreign workers

Another thing employers should consider when recruiting immigrant workers, is the appeal of bringing their extended families with them. Canada’s super visa program allows aged extended family members from other countries to visit Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Instead of having to leave their parents and grandparents behind, employers can attract immigrant employees by educating workers on the super visa.

Each year, the (IRCC) issues approximately 17,000 super visas to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The super visa provides multiple entry to eligible applicants for up to 10 years, with an authorized stay for each individual entry for up to 5 years. IRCC plans to issue up to 36,000 super visa’s each year by 2025 under the Family Immigration Plan.

There are a few crucial things immigrant employees need to know:

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Foreign workers are often eligible for provincial health care coverage; however, many provinces have a waiting period before coverage is in effect. Employers must obtain and pay for this coverage with no financial impact to employees.

For family members applying for super visa’s there are requirements that must be met before obtaining entry into Canada. While the overall list can be found on the Government of Canada website it consists of a letter of invitation, income testing, proof their host is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, there’s also a very important portion that requires health insurance.

The required health insurance must be from a Canadian insurance provider, and must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation for a minimum of one year for super visa applications. Health insurance plans can be expensive, especially when trying to meet the requirements for super visa applicants as these applicants are older.

Note: When shopping for a health insurance plan, look for one that covers more than just the basics – it will save money in the long run. The minimum coverage requirement is $100,000 for Super Visa’s. Consider a higher coverage limit due to the high cost of healthcare in Canada and the age of the applicant as they may not be in optimal health.

WHAT THE APPLICATION PROCESS LOOKS LIKE

While the process might seem intimidating with the different factors and situations that change what proof visiting family members will need, what documents they must upload, etc. It’s quite simple. Families need to receive an invite code first, and they begin by creating an account on the IRCC Portal. From there, they complete the online form and upload their required documents, and then pay online.

The time for new applications to be processed varies depending on the country where extended family members are coming from. It can take around 2-6 months to process the application, so if family members want to be visiting during the holidays, it’s best to start sooner rather than later.

CURRENT PROCESSING TIMES CAN EASILY BE CHECKED ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WEBSITE

After applying, family members may have to undergo an interview with officials, get a medical exam, or a few other things before being allowed entry into the country. Once their application has been approved, they’ll receive a letter with instructions on submitting their passport, but if it’s refused, they’ll receive a letter explaining why.

HOW LONG FAMILIES CAN STAY

The good news is, once the process has been completed and visiting family members have been approved for entry, they can stay for a long amount of time – up to 5 years! If extended family members enter Canada and the border officer puts a stamp on without a handwritten date, they’re allowed to stay for the full 5 years, otherwise they’ll be given a required departure date.

ADDITIONALLY, A SUPER VISA IS VALID FOR 10 YEARS WITH NO FURTHER PAPERWORK REQUIRED BY FAMILY MEMBERS

After staying in Canada for their allowable amount of time, extended family must wait 6 months before returning. Once their super visa expires, extended family must be outside of Canada when applying and will need to re-apply from scratch – but having been approved previously for a super visa can increase the chances of getting approved again. Keep in mind health insurance will be required prior to any new super visa being issued.

SUPER VISA RE-UNITES FAMILIES

The super visa is a great way for aged immediate family members to visit for long periods of time from other countries. While immigrant workers need to undergo the Express Entry process, informing them and educating them on a simple way for extended family to visit without restriction, will make the move more appealing, and fill the tens of thousands of jobs Canada needs in the very near future.

https://www.beaconmetals.com

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY BENCHMARK FOR AGRI-FOOD

More and more people around the world are looking for high-quality, sustainable food products, and food brands need to respond to evolving market access rules to operate and enter new markets. While the agriculture and agri-food sector already contributes so much to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), helping companies break into new markets will help the sector become even more prosperous.

Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood recently announced over $3.1 million to the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) under the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component. This program is under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

“Consumers around the world are looking for more sustainable products, and I have no doubt that our innovative Canadian farmers can meet that demand. This funding will improve the National Index on AgriFood Performance, helping the sector take advantage of market opportunities, and backing up our efforts with concrete data. By making sure everyone measures sustainability in the same way, we’re moving closer toward our goals both nationally and globally”, stated Minister MacAulay.

This funding will be used to make improvements to the National Index on Agri-Food Performance, which acts as a point of reference for companies to declare the sustainability of their practices. CAPI will use the funding to include more partners in refining the tool, fix missing information, and create an upgraded version of the Index.

Tyler McCann, Managing Director, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute said, “The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute is pleased to be part of a growing coalition of public and private actors working to improve the data and transparency of the agriculture and food system sustainability in Canada. As the Index evolves, so does CAPI and we are pleased to house the Centre as part of our ongoing efforts to advance policy solutions that realize the full potential of Canada’s agriculture and food system.”

The Index looks at how sustainable Canada’s farming and food sector is from food production to retail, covering things like how it affects the environment, the quality of food, and how it helps the economy and society. The new version of the Index will help show the agriculture sector is operating in a sustainable way, help Canadian food brands demonstrate their claims, and help consumers make informed choices when purchasing products.

“Together with an unprecedented coalition of partners, we will improve and promote the use of Canada's first agri-food sustainability index in the marketplace. In a more demanding food world, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada's investment can help the country's agri-food sector to be a global leader in grounding sustainability claims in data”, stated David McInnes, Executive Director and Founder, Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking.

QUICK FACTS

• The AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, funds national-level projects to help industry develop, verify and integrate assurance systems to address market and regulatory requirements and to enable industry to make credible, meaningful and verifiable claims about the health, safety and quality of Canadian agriculture products.

• The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) is a notfor-profit organization set up in 2004 with the mission to advance public policy on agri-food issues. CAPI works with stakeholders across the agri-food sector, including government and researchers to study complex and interconnected food issues and to advance ideas to address emerging challenges in the sector.

• The National Index on Agri-Food Performance, Canada’s first agri-food sustainability index, was published in May 2023. This pilot Index was created through a coalition of 142 private-public agri-food partners. The pilot was led by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture with funding support from the AgriAssurance Program.

• The project aligns with the Guelph Statement’s vision for Canada to be recognized as a world leader in sustainable agriculture and agri-food production and supports the demonstration of trends across various components of sustainability through the four themes of the Index.

THE TWO-LEGGED FACTOR IN ANIMAL WELFARE

By Emma Cross, Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)

Often in the beef industry, producers de-prioritize their own physical and mental health. It’s easy to justify sacrificing our own well-being for the sake of getting the job done. But what if leaving humans last on the list has an impact on more than just people?

Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo is the Chief Animal Welfare Officer for Elanco. With much experience in the feedlot realm, Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo gained an interest in how humans interact with livestock. Now, she has a wealth of knowledge surrounding the impact of human mentality on animal welfare.

Unfortunately, animal welfare is a term without a consistent definition and means many different things to different people. Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo prefers the definition used by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which explains animal welfare as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.”

“What I love about that definition is that it takes into account two important things,” says Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo . “One, that we have to use science-based evidence in order to determine the quality of life for an animal in different areas, including the mental state. But also, just as importantly, this definition is the first I have seen that integrates and honors the importance of humane care for animals throughout their life.”

Often, we only think of animal handling as the times where we bring cattle through a squeeze chute. However, as Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo explains, animal handling encompasses every point of interaction that we have with cattle, including euthanasia, feeding or cleaning water tanks, or even something as simple as walking through a pen to check cattle. The goal must be to aim for positive human-animal interactions every time, Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo explains, and cattle caretakers can achieve this if they recognize that cattle handling encompasses every way we approach cattle through tactile, auditory, and visual interactions.

The VBP+ program has entire modules that focus on how to decide which animals are fit for transport or may need to be humanely euthanized. These are judgement calls that rely on human decision-making, and therefore can be influenced by how a person feels, acts, and thinks.

There are many theories about animal welfare out there, but Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo’s preferred model is the Five Domains (Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behavioural Interactions, and Mental Domain). This model is intended to provide a coherent assessment of animal welfare, including both the avoidance of negative outcomes and enhancement of positive outcomes relative to animal welfare status. In addition, it’s the first model that accounts for the animal welfare implications of humananimal interactions.

A study performed by Texas A&M researchers determined that employees like pen riders and doctors who work more frequently with cattle tend to perceive beef cattle more poorly (Ridge, Gill, & Daigle, 2019). Processors had poorer satisfaction with their jobs and less comfort with euthanasia. Despite high levels of knowledge and experience, the study noted that staff were typically underpaid and overworked.

Working conditions impact how stock people feel about their jobs and the animals they work with. Texas A&M researchers have also noted that investing in more than skills training, such as reinforcing the value of an employee’s work, positively impacts their attitude towards livestock and in turn, animal welfare outcomes.

“Attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions about the animals you work with all motivate behaviour,” explains Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo. “And the behaviours of people are what is imposed on the animal. So, if you have a person that believes that animals should be treated with respect, then that will influence the way they approach the animals.”

Of course, taking the time to offer training and maintain a positive workplace takes time and sometimes money. But as data shows, when employee attitudes change, not only do livestock fear states decrease, but productivity increases – that’s a positive to your bottom line.

Today’s labor gap is a challenge, and keeping skilled workers on your operation is key. Training a new employee after losing a good worker is costly and is another reason why worker mentality matters to the bottom line.

“The culture of an operation is incredibly important,” says Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo. “With the right culture in place, not only will people do things right, but they’ll be motivated to do things better and better every day. And this enhances the culture, which feeds into a positive cycle where worker morale isn’t low, people aren’t going to cut corners, there’s loyalty to the operation, and turnover rates are reduced.”

While in an ideal world, every producer and their employees would have a small, manageable workload and a high budget for salary, bottom lines are tight and it can be tough to find experienced workers. But salary isn’t everything. “In the US, we’ve met people who are willing to work for slightly less per hour at an operation if the workplace culture is a better fit,” explains Dr. CalvoLorenzo.

many farms here on PEI doing every 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.

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

Workplace culture is easy to picture in a formal business model, but what about in a scenario where staff is family, like so many Canadian beef cattle operations? “My advice for this scenario is to prioritize expectations for maintaining a professional workplace and treating each other with respect as professionals,” says Dr. Calvo-Lorenzo.

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.

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?

In the VBP+ standard, a code of ethics and training for people on the operation are encouraged. For many producers, these elements seem like something meant for the corporate world and feel too structured and rigid for the family feel we are used to. However, a positive and professional workplace culture can take the form of an unspoken atmosphere of respect and value in the work being done.

Creating a team of people committed to doing their jobs to the best of their ability can make a real difference to the viability of your operation. This approach makes managing healthy, content, and productive cattle the priority, with the added benefit of keeping your people healthy, content, and productive too.

For more information, visit https:// verifiedbeef.ca/

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 nominated next year. And I have to give the Canadian Cattleman’s Association recognition for choosing a farm from Prince Edward Island. We are small players in the national beef industry and I think it was a real credit to their organization to recognize us. They treated all the nominees royally and it was a real class act. It was a wonderful experience. https://www.yesgroiup.ca

PICKLEBALL CANADA THINKS TURKEY FOR NATIONAL PROTEIN PARTNERSHIP

Pickleball Canada recently announced they have named Think Turkey as the National Protein Partner of Pickleball Canada and Presenting Partner of the 2024 Myoflex® Pickleball Canada National Championship. The partnership will establish turkey as the protein of choice for active Canadians, while also supporting the growth of the sport in Canada.

"As a lean and nutritious protein, turkey can keep professional and everyday athletes at the top of their game," said Darren Ference, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Canada. "Through our partnership with Pickleball Canada, we hope to tap into the thriving pickleball community and introduce more Canadians to this family-friendly sport."

As part of the year-long partnership, Think Turkey and Pickleball Canada are cooking up exciting activations ranging from athlete appearances to popup courts, giveaways, grassroots facets such as new youth programming to come, as well as partnership of the Pickleball Canada Regional and National Championships.

"We are proud to welcome Think Turkey to the Pickleball Canada family of partners," said Val Vollmin, President, Pickleball Canada. "Turkey and pickleball are the perfect match for a healthy lifestyle, and we look forward to sharing that message with pickleball players and fans this year."

Pickleball has surged off the charts in popularity in recent years, with nearly 1.4 million Canadians participating in the sport currently, marking a 37% increase over the previous year. The rise in popularity can be attributed to pickleball being a fun and social sport that boasts a variety of health and fitness benefits.

"Like a turkey dinner, pickleball brings people of all ages together," said Mark Hubert, President and CEO, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors. "We're thrilled to team up with Pickleball Canada and its star athletes to bring exciting new collaborations and engaging activations to communities throughout the year."

To celebrate the partnership and encourage more Canadians to try pickleball and turkey, Think Turkey is hosting a contest for a chance to win 1 of 5 pickleball paddle sets! All entrants during the contest period will also be eligible for a grand prize draw for a chance to win 1 of 10 $100 grocery gift cards to stock their fridge with turkey for pre-and post-game meals.

ABOUT THINK TURKEY

Turkey Farmers of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors' Turkey Primary Processing Sector Members launched Think Turkey™ / Pensez DindonMC in 2019 – a national, bilingual campaign aimed to boost turkey consumption. The fully integrated program includes advertising, digital, retail, PR, influencer, paid social and more, and focuses on engaging primary meal planners to raise awareness of the benefits of turkey, drive year-round demand and increase overall consumption. For more information, visit ThinkTurkey.ca.

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

ABOUT PICKLEBALL CANADA

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

By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada's fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, visit pickleballcanada.org.

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.

“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.”

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https://www.tcextrade.com

A federally licensed beef processing facility is in the works

the ability to not have to ship an animal to Alberta to have

Agricultural and Food Sustainability Advisory Committee.”

Agricultural Land Reserve at 5175 184th St. The planned 30,000-square foot abattoir in Cloverdale would process up

small by industry standards, compared to the largest meat

The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed

A STEP BACK IN ENDING CARBON PRICING ON FOOD PRODUCTION: SENATE AMENDMENTS GUT BILL C-234

AN ACT TO AMEND THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION PRICING ACT

The federal tax on carbon will go up from $65 to $80 per ton as of April 1, where the federal backstop applies. Bill C-234, if adopted as initially intended, would exempt many farm activities from the federal carbon tax applied on propane and natural gas, supporting Canada’s food producers. However, Senateproposed amendments have gutted it.

Let us review the history of Bill C-234. The Bill was introduced two years ago in the House of Commons to exempt natural gas and propane used on farms to dry grain and heat and cool farm buildings from the federal carbon tax, for a period of 8 years. The Bill has gone as far as its third reading in the Senate, where, last December, Senators introduced amendments to the Bill.

The Senate-proposed amendments made mincemeat out of Bill C-234. They would remove the exemption for heating and cooling of farm buildings and reduce the exemption period from 8 to 3 years. In short, the amended bill would, among other things, remove the carbon tax for farmers to dry grain essential for feeding livestock, but not for the heating or cooling of those same animals.

These amendments also mean a drastic reduction in the financial benefits of the Bill. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, while the unamended Bill would have saved farmers $970 million in federal tax, this amount is now down to $69 million with the amendments.

With the proposed amendments limiting the positive impacts of the Bill, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) asked its members in the agriculture sector for their opinion on these amendments, and the results are unequivocal. More than eight in ten (81%) of agri-businesses who have an opinion on the issue do not support the Senateproposed amendments to Bill C-234 and 80% think they would actually reduce the effectiveness of the Bill. The spirit of Bill C-234 was originally to support farmers and temporarily relieve them of the carbon tax, but the Senate-proposed amendments will considerably limit the scope of the Bill.

An exemption on both grain-drying as well as heating and cooling farm buildings, would not be a luxury for farmers considering all the costs farmers have to eat. In a survey, CFIB has found that 92% of agri-businesses have seen their overall energy costs increase over the past year, however only 36% had increased their overall energy consumption.

An exemption from the carbon tax on natural gas and propane used on farms would allow 94% of agribusinesses who would benefit from the exemption to cut up to half of their annual energy costs. It is therefore of no surprise that the vast majority of agribusinesses who expressed an opinion on the exemption said it would be helpful. To conclude, it is crucial that Bill C-234, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act passes in its original form, to offer temporary relief to farmers.

While Bill C-234 is back at the House of Commons, business owners can raise their concerns by signing CFIB’s carbon tax petition calling on Member of Parliament to pass Bill C-234 as originally proposed. That is, to exempt natural gas and propane used for onfarm activities, including grain drying and heating and cooling farm buildings. Concerned Canadians can also contact their local MPs and Senators to share with them their sentiments on Bill C-234. Canada’s food producers should be exempt from the carbon tax. The carbon tax’s impact on our food suppliers shouldn’t go unnoticed. Let’s support our farmers and make sure their voices are heard.

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

Juliette Nicolaÿ is a Bilingual Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members (4,500 agri-business 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

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