"The Government of Canada recognizes that partnering with industry is key to strengthening the sector and adding to the bottom line of our farmers," said Minister Ritz. "I'm proud of the progress we have made together and we will continue to open doors around the world for our producers and processors."

This investment will support three projects led by the CCA:

• $5.3 million through the Agricultural Flexibility fund to help farms, feedlots and packing plants update their information technology (IT) systems to ensure they remain compatible with the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS). BIXS is a beef information exchange system which allows the seamless transfer of animal and carcass data from producer to processor. The project will lead to improved management decisions, thereby improving production efficiencies, reducing costs and the overall competitiveness of the Canadian cattle industry.
• $2.5 million for Phase II of the Beef Cluster to build on the research already being done by a network of industry, academic and government experts. Research will focus on increasing competitiveness and profitability of beef producers by reducing production costs, increasing feed efficiency and decreasing the impact of animal health issues.
• $364,000 to enhance the CCA's "Quality Starts Here - Verified Beef Production" (QSH-VBP) on-farm food safety systems, as part of continuing efforts to ensure food safety, increase value for producers and continually improve the uptake of On-Farm Food Safety systems.

"BIXS has the potential to provide incredible value to the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian cattle industry. With this funding, we look forward to proceeding with the program in a comprehensive way," said CCA President Travis Toews. "Research plays a vital role in the long-term competitiveness of Canada's beef cattle industry and this investment in Phase II will help make sure the latest research benefits producers. As well, we appreciate the Government of Canada's financial commitment to the CCA's On-Farm Food Safety systems which contribute to the ongoing safety of our food supply."

The beef industry is important to the Canadian economy, contributing nearly $25 billion annually and is the largest source of farm cash receipts. Canada is the third largest cattle and beef exporter in the world, representing about 13 percent of global exports in 2010.

Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers through Agriculture Flexibility, a $500 million fund over five years, created to help the sector adapt to pressures and improve its competitiveness. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry, create jobs and drive the Canadian economy. For more information, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Phase II of the Beef Cluster is being funded by the Agri-Innovations Program, a $159 million five-year program that supports industry-led science and technology projects. Today's announcement follows similar investments for the dairy, canola and flax industries. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/agri-innovations.

The CCA's on-farm food safety systems initiative is funded through Growing Forward, under the Canadian Integrated Food Safety Initiative (CIFSI). CIFSI supports organizations in developing national, government-recognized on-farm and/or post-farm Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) or HACCP-based food safety systems. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/cifsi.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

EVENT:
Media callback

DATE:
Wednesday, March 23

TIME:
11:30 a.m.* (EST)

CALL-IN DETAILS

Accredited media representatives who wish to participate, please confirm with AAFC Media Relations at 1-866-345-7972 or media.relations@agr.gc.ca by Wednesday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. EST

*Please note the time is subject to change. Only media representatives who have registered in advance with AAFC Media Relations will be notified of potential time changes.

North American Dial-In: 877-413-4803
International/Local Dial-In: 613-960-7520
Conference ID: 4095451

For more information:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

EVENT:
Announcement

DATE:
Friday, March 18, 2011

TIME:
9:15 a.m. (local time)

LOCATION:
The Forks Market
Centre Court
1 Forks Market Rd.
Winnipeg, MB

For more information:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

EVENT:
Announcement

DATE:
Friday, March 18, 2011

TIME:
11:00 a.m. (local time)

LOCATION:
Food Processing Development Centre
6309 - 45 Street
Leduc, Alberta
T9E 7C5
(Use West entrance)

For more information:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Sherry Brownlee
Regional Communications Officer
AAFC Alberta
Office: 780-495-5528
Cell: 780-218-4945

EVENT:
Announcement

DATE:
Friday, March 18, 2011

TIME:
2:30 p.m. (local time)

LOCATION:
Dairytown Products Limited
49 Milk Board Road
Sussex, New Brunswick

For more information:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972