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NEWS RELEASE (CNS964) -->> AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--BEEF INDUSTRY STRATEGY ANNOUNCED AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--BEEF INDUSTRY STRATEGY ANNOUNCED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural and Marketing Minister Guy Brown today announced an eight-point strategy for the beef industry, which is experiencing its lowest prices in 20 years. Last spring a Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) based program was announced with a commitment of $400,000 to help beef producers. With this provincial commitment to the beef deposit assistance program another $400,000 is levered from the provincial and federal governments plus an additional $200,000 going to other programs for a commitment of $1 million from the provincial and federal governments. NISA is a voluntary farm income insurance program which is intended to have a stabilizing effect on farm incomes while remaining responsive to market needs. The participation in the beef NISA program, however, has been low to date based on a number of factors. In particular the industry is saying that they lack the funds to contribute the producer share to the program. In addition, there are marketing and production issues that need to be addressed for future development and stability in the industry. "Responding to both the analysis of the industry situation and concerns presented at annual commodity meetings and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and follow-up meetings with industry, I am pleased to be making this announcement today," said Mr. Brown. "This strategy reflects the government's commitment to increasing stability in the agri-food industry through a NISA-based program. The strategy also encourages increased participation by beef producers in NISA and a commitment to address production and marketing challenges necessary for the future of the beef industry in Nova Scotia," he said. The eight-point strategy consists of the province funding the producers' contribution to NISA for the 1995 stabilization year. For those producers who have paid already they will receive a rebate for their contributions. A communication network will be immediately put in place to contact beef producers about this strategy stressing the importance of having their NISA applications in before Dec. 31, 1996. Financial counselling and other services of the Farm Loan Board, to identify possible approaches and solutions, will be available on a one on one basis to beef producers. With industry support, the Department of Agriculture and Marketing will appoint an industry and stakeholders task force consisting of producers, processors, retailers and consumers to develop a coordinated strategy on the future of the beef industry for Nova Scotia. Forming a tri-partnership, the beef industry, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and government will secure appropriate resources and analysis and will investigate the possibility of special pilot projects, as part of the task force initiative, for sound decision making. An enhanced partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, the department and industry at the Nappan Research Station will be developed, through research, aimed at technology development and improvements to benefit the industry. A province-wide extension program will also be developed and delivered, focusing on cattle nutrition and feeding management systems, and the improved sire program will be maintained for the continued enhancement of herds through performance tested stock. This strategy, the minister said, is the result of dialogue, commitment, cooperation and partnership with industry. At the same time, he said, this strategy is consistent with the government's commitment to NISA-based programs and the need to partner with industry to find solutions. -30- Contact: Brian Smith 902-893-6591 trp Dec. 18, 1996 - 2:35 p.m.