Ottawa announces $4 million for beef export promotion

Jul 9, 2026 | 2:59 PM

Two national cattle organizations are receiving a combined $4 million from the federal government through the Agri-Marketing Program.

Canada Beef will receive roughly $3.7 million, while the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) will get up to $300,000.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath McDonald made the announcement yesterday during the Calgary Stampede with CCA president Tyler Fulton.

“We trade with about 54 countries around the world right now, and it’s important that we continue to build on that,” McDonald said. “We continue to build on our CUSMA review. It’s an important market for us. We’re joined at the hips. I don’t have to explain to the beef farmers in this room how important that market is, but it’s also important that we find other markets.”

McDonald said market diversification is a No. 1 priority.

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“I can remember sitting with Tyler (Fulton) in Indonesia and China. We expanded the market in Mexico. We’ll continue to diversify,” he said.

In 2025, farm cash receipts from cattle and calf sales totaled $20.65 billion, with more than 40 per cent coming from Alberta.

Fulton noted strong demand for beef and historically high prices, and said the investment is important to CCA’s work.

“In today’s environment, with geopolitical issues, disease and weather risk, this investment is critical for the resilience and growth of the industry as we are in a growth phase,” Fulton said. “We saw a 2.5 per cent increase in the cow herd last year and, with conditions today, I’m really optimistic about the future.”

Fulton said the funds could support advocacy in the U.S., help policymakers understand the importance of barrier-free trade, and develop emerging markets such as Indonesia, including work to address challenges in building long-term relationships and growth there.

The Agri-Marketing Program is a $129.97 million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, also known as Sustainable CAP, which is in effect until 2028.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

Ottawa announces $4 million for beef export promotion

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