Alberta beef producers are getting $1.9 million to become certified under the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) quality assurance program.
The funds are coming from the federal and provincial governments, under a program announced July 10.
Beef producers in the province will be able to access of up to $5,000 per operation for approved costs involved inmeeting VBP+ certification guidelines. An operation that has completed the VBP+ training, but has not yet achieved certification, can access up to $2,500 for the same approved expenses.
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Some examples of approved activities include audit fees, livestock handling equipment and herd management software.
According to a media release announcing the funding, VBP+ provides in-person or online training, on-farm third-party auditing and certification that helps producers “adhere to the highest standards of beef production.”
“Alberta Beef Producers is excited to see government support for the beef industry’s dedication to food safety, environmental stewardship, animal care and biosecurity,” said chair Brodie Haugan in the release.
“This funding supports the hard work of producers across this province who continue to deliver the world’s best Alberta beef.”
Lawrence MacAulay, federal agriculture minister, said ABP is aligning its program with the latest national standards and noted new financial incentives for producers.
“Additions to programming include increased community events with producers, new training for youth and targeted outreach to Indigenous-operated beef operations,” he said.
The initiative is being funded through the Sustainable Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP): a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
VBP+ certification meets national standards set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle, the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard and Sustainability indicators of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Three hundred and ninety-four Alberta farms are VBP+ certified.
Continue to watch this space for further information.
