17 December 2007

2 minute read

North America

The announcement was made today by James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.

"This project will not only help open a new lucrative market niche for Canadian beef farmers but it will also provide Canadians with healthier food," said Mr. Bezan. "The Government of Canada is committed to supporting agriculture innovation as key to the sector’s profitability and competitiveness."

This Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) led project will focus on the development of a strategic business plan for a commercialization pilot program featuring beef containing beneficial fatty acids. These fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. This is an essential first step in taking on the challenge of establishing bioactive lipid-enriched beef as a successful food product in Canada, much in the same way egg producers have developed and marketed Omega 3 eggs.

In addition to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) funds, the project will receive an estimated $96,000 of in-kind contributions through industry stakeholders.

"This is the type of government programming that allows groups like the CCA and the Beef Information Centre to work on innovative projects to help put dollars into the pockets of the Canadian cattle industry and offer additional value to our consumers," said Hugh Lynch-Staunton, CCA President. "The practices that increase the health benefits of beef are environmentally responsible, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing biodiversity."

The project involves all the key players from the beef industry value chain to ensure the most effective and successful production, processing and marketing of biolipid enriched beef onto the consumer’s plate.

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