November 22, 2010

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Government of Canada is helping the Canadian Bison Association (CBA) increase the appetite for its top quality products with an investment of more than $370,000. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement as the CBA gathers in Regina for its national convention.
"Bison producers are recognized for their commitment to producing healthy, natural, high-quality meat and as a result there is a growing demand for their product," said Minister Ritz. "This investment will help the bison industry promote its unique product and become more competitive in the domestic and international marketplace."

The Government of Canada investment will support two projects:

• $194,500 through the AgriMarketing Program to: participate and promote bison products in trade shows; advocate with U.S. industry stakeholders to improve Canada’s market access, and prepare for the 2012 International Bison Conference in Québec.
• $177,760 through the Canadian Integrated Food Safety Initiative (CIFSI) to continue the development of the Bison Industry Traceability Program, which tracks the movement of bison through the supply chain.

"Global markets are very important for the growth of the Canadian bison industry," said Mark Silzer, President of the Canadian Bison Association. "The investment provided by the Government of Canada will help the bison industry to work with marketers to elevate the profile of bison and bison products amongst consumers internationally. The bison industry recognizes the value of traceability as a tool to control the possible spread of disease and to facilitate market access and this investment will help develop a system that works for the bison industry."

The CBA works with a membership of approximately 600 producers, who represent close to 90 per cent of the bison production in Canada, to promote bison products in the international and domestic markets.

Both contributions are funded under the Government of Canada's Growing Forward framework. The Canadian bison industry is an increasingly important driver of the Canadian economy, with meat and live bison exports reaching $40.5 million in 2009. More consumers are turning to bison products as a source of healthy, nutritious, natural and tasty meat.