News Release Archive
AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--HELP FOR BEEF PRODUCERS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Agriculture and Marketing Minister Wayne Gaudet announced today that his department has reserved $400,000, over a two year period, for a program to assist Nova Scotia beef producers. Local beef prices, influenced by North American prices, are continually fluctuating. Currently, beef prices are in a down cycle with prices 20 per cent lower than they were a year and a half ago. This, combined with unusually high grain prices, is causing severe financial hardship for beef producers. "The department has been working closely with the Nova Scotia Cattlemen's Association to develop a program to help producers through this difficult time," said Mr. Gaudet. "The beef industry is important to the rural economy and the overall Nova Scotia economy. In addition to helping maintain a sustainable agricultural land base and the aesthetic value of rural Nova Scotia, the industry generates approximately $27 million in sales annually." The minister said he appreciated the excellent working relationship developed with the Cattlemen's Association while co-operatively seeking a long term solution. In addition to the announced funding, the minister said there are other programs available to Nova Scotia beef producers such as the Improved Sires Program, which promotes genetic improvement of cattle; and the Agri Focus 2000 program which is in place to support the continued growth and development of the industry. Also available to producers is the Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA), a program that enables producers to stabilize their incomes during periods of low prices or low income. The provincial and federal governments, and beef producers all contribute to the fund. "Attempts will be made to use the $400,000 program money to encourage the beef industry's participation in NISA...this will help to add long term stability to the industry," said Mr. Gaudet. Nova Scotia beef producers supply a portion of the local market demand for finished beef, so there are opportunities for increased production, he said. The industry has seen a steady increase in beef cow numbers since 1981, with continued improvements in the quality and consistency of product supplied to the local market. -30- Contact: Brian Smith 902-893-6591 trp Apr. 19, 1996 - 11:51 a.m.