The governments of Canada and British Columbia are contributing funding toward the development of a business plan as the next step in having a federally inspected beef processing plant up and running in Prince George.

The BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) will receive up to $144,000 of federal and provincial government funding to identify supply-chain and investment partners, and develop business models for the ownership and operation of the plant. The BCCA will also contribute up to $16,000 for the development of the plan, which will incorporate a marketing and sales strategy, defined production and operation requirements, as well as financial, human resource and contingency plans.

If it were to proceed, the plant would significantly boost the capacity to export B.C. beef directly to foreign markets. Currently, B.C. cattle are most often processed at federally licensed plants in Alberta or the United States when the beef is going to be sold to other provinces or countries.

(flickr.com)

• An additional $250 million in annual beef and byproduct sales.
• An increase in value-added exports of up to $180 million.
• Up to 180 new full-time-equivalent jobs within the plant and about 620 spinoff jobs.

The plant could increase local food supply security and help supply beef to British Columbian families, as well as be exported to markets in Europe and Asia.

The funding is provided under Growing Forward 2, a five-year agreement which launched in 2013, that provides a $3-billion, federal-provincial-territorial government investment in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

Quotes:

Dan Ruimy, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge –

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the planning of a new federally inspected plant in Prince George. A sound business plan will lay the groundwork for a successful operation which will bring benefits to the region and make it easier for Canadian beef to reach international markets, contributing to a prosperous and thriving industry.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris –

“B.C. ranchers produce high-quality, tasty and trusted beef while being exceptional stewards of the land, and this plant offers them the potential of participating in a quarter of a billion dollars more in annual sales. It is a great opportunity, and one that this study will evaluate closely, to determine if the plant will work, and put people to work in Prince George.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond –

“With an estimated 800 related new jobs, a processing plant in Prince George brings the potential of another economic driver to our city, the Cariboo and the North. Should the business model prove successful, we are well positioned through our shipping, rail and transportation infrastructure to help put B.C. beef on dinner tables around the world.”

BC Cattlemen’s Association general manager Kevin Boon –

“B.C. has a vibrant cattle industry that has opportunity for growth. The lack of a federally inspected packing plant restricts us from taking advantage of many aspects of the value chain. The investment of these dollars now is prudent for industry to make informed decisions as to whether this is a viable progression for the beef industry in B.C.”

Learn More:

For more information on BC Cattleman’s Association, visit: http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/

For more information on Growing Forward 2 programs in British Columbia, visit:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=EB8322DE53664C7289317829FA25360E

For more information on Growing Forward 2, visit:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-us/key-departmental-initiatives/growing-forward-2/?id=1294780620963