Supporting Ontario corn fed beef

The province is providing the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association with a one-time investment of $10 million to create an innovative, industry-led risk management fund. The fund will be administered by the association and will help stabilise pricing for participating producers, encouraging further growth in the sector. It will also support the province’s local food strategy.

Promoting local food is part of the new Ontario government’s plan to strengthen the agri-food industry, build stronger communities and create jobs that will grow the economy.

Quick Facts

• Ontario Corn Fed Beef is currently featured in 241 Loblaw Co. and affiliate stores and 120 other retail outlets across Ontario. The Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association launched the farmer-owned brand in 2001.
• Ontario’s cattle and beef sector supports more than 11,000 jobs and contributes about $4 billion dollars to the province’s economy.
• All Ontario corn-fed beef cattle are fed and processed in Ontario.
• If passed, the Local Food Act will form part of a broader strategy to increase local food awareness, access and sales.

Quotes

Kathleen Wynne, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food
“This partnership builds on our introduction of the Local Food Act. Ontario Corn Fed Beef is a model of the way forward – helping producers market their products based on where or how they are made. It’s yet another reason for consumers to choose Ontario foods.”

Jim Clark, Executive Director, Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
“This project marks a new way of thinking about business risk management tools. We appreciate the support of the Province in helping to build a more stable, sustainable market that benefits everyone – producers, processors, retailers and consumers.”

Source: Ontario (government), Canada