#201, 2816 – 11 Street NE Calgary, AB. T2E 7S7
Tel: 403-250-2509
The Future is Ours To All Participants in the Beef Value Chain This letter provides information on a new coalition of progressive and forward looking producer organizations. We are encouraging other like minded players in the beef value chain to join the Beef Industry Alliance so that we can jointly participate in laying out a future for the beef industry in Alberta and Canada for the benefit of all. Why the BIA? On June 5, 2008 Agriculture and Rural Development Minister George Groeneveld announced the Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy (ALMS) which included the creation of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA). Many in the industry who were consulted in the development of the strategy recognized that this was a bold step and a real opportunity to be part of a new way forward for the beef industry in Alberta. We are committed to working with the Minister, his department and ALMA to ensure that ALMS is a success! Who are the members of the BIA? The founding members of the BIA include: • Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association • Beef Initiative Group • Feeder Associations of Alberta • Western Stock Growers Association These organizations represent a substantial proportion of beef production in Alberta and we are inviting other players in the beef supply chain from producers to retailers and food service operators to join us. BIA also welcomes the involvement of exporters who are committed to growing the business in international markets. What does the BIA stand for? The BIA recognizes that we have a REAL opportunity to change and here are the principles that the BIA endorses: • Age Verification – The time and costs required to do this are modest and the government is putting resources to work to make this easier for producers.
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Traceability – This builds on the cattle identification system that creates a platform for us to begin differentiating our products to suit customer needs. Governance – A new governance model must be created to ensure that we can move ahead in a progressive way by giving producers a choice about where their check-off dollars go and ensuring that their organizations have a voice in advancing ALMS. Leadership – Lever the leadership demonstrated by the Minster, progressive industry leaders and ALMA to broaden this effort to a national strategy. Solutions – We need to take a fresh look at how we grow the business and build a future for the beef industry with solutions that address real needs.
How will BIA function? The ALMS implementation document repeatedly stresses the need to work with industry in collaborative manner and the Minister has committed $56 million dollars to move this initiative and this industry forward. BIA can be the industry coalition that interfaces with government to ensure that we get traction and meaningful change. The vision for the BIA is an informal industry coalition that brings all players in the supply chain to one place to discuss the challenges and opportunities of our industry and create a shared vision for the beef industry in Alberta. We will look at ways to make the ALMS work for all industry players. When will BIA be officially launched? A press release announcing the BIA was issued on September 4, 2008. The founding members are encouraging all supply chain partners who care about the future of this industry to contact us. Where you can get more information on the BIA • • • Russ Pickett – Chairman (403-641-2485) Jack de Boer – Vice Chairman (403-394-4326) Bryan Walton – Secretary (403-250-2509)