Prince Edward Island beef producers are being invited to attend information meetings this week to discuss the potential formation of a beef commodity board.
“I encourage all beef producers in the province to attend one of the information meetings to be held this week,” said Darlene Sanford, president of the Prince Edward Island Cattlemen’s Association. “Those who attend will have the opportunity to gain information about the benefits of a national check-off and what is required for producers in this province to participate.”
Designation as a commodity board under the Prince Edward Island Natural Products Marketing Act would be one step in ensuring that the producers’ group can participate in the new Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency. The agency will bring new support to the marketing and promotion of beef and beef products. Becoming a commodity board would also enable the provincial cattle producers organization to continue as a member of the national Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
Participation in the agency requires that a non-refundable levy on cattle marketings be in place, and there must be a process to track imports of cattle into the province. The board of directors of the Cattlemen’s Association believe that formation of a commodity board is a necessary step in meeting these requirements.
A special bulletin on the subject was mailed to all beef producers recently, and information meetings are being held on Wednesday, November 17 at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown and Thursday, November 18, at Access PEI in Summerside. Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Darlene Sanford, President of the PEI Cattlemen's Association, (902) 439-3248.