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Federal government helps elk and deer ranchers capture new markets

Nov 17, 2010 | 11:09 AM

paNOW.com

 

Ottawa is developing a strategy to increase exports of Canadian deer and elk to international markets.

The federal government is investing $20,000 into the strategy that will help ranchers identify new opportunities and reach out to international customers.

“We are doing everything we can to help the Canadian livestock industry to succeed in international markets,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in a news release.

The livestock industry has struggled in recent years because of trade restrictions placed by many countries stemming from BSE and other infectious diseases.

“Science, diplomacy and investments from Agri-Marketing will fix these problems,” said Randy Wehrkamp, President of the Canadian Cervid Alliance.

The alliance mainly represents deer and elk ranchers.

“Cooperatively with Federal, Provincial and Territorial initiatives, our industry will return to the confidence and profitability levels we enjoyed in the past, said Wehrkamp.

bbosker@panow.com