My Speeches

Livestock and Meat Strategy

Posted on Mar 03, 2009

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Battle River-Wainwright.

Livestock and Meat Strategy

Mr. Griffiths: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight the
important work that has been accomplished under the Alberta
livestock and meat strategy. The strategy was announced last June
and is a framework designed to strengthen the industry and create a
more profitable and competitive future.
One important component of the strategy is the agency itself.
ALMA’s role is to act as a catalyst, and it is responsible for
implementing
specific parts of the strategy. ALMA was created shortly
after the announcement, has recently become incorporated, Mr.
Speaker, and already it has created five industry advisory committees
that will help guide their initiatives and ensure the livestock
industry’s input.
Another working group has been formed as well between
Agriculture and Rural Development and the cattle industry that will
playan important role in shaping the future oftraceabilityinitiatives.
The group has already started developing a traceability implementation
plan for 2010 and beyond. The creation of these working
groups demonstrates this government’s commitment to revitalizing
the livestock industry. It also highlights the importance of industry
consultation and involvement as the Alberta livestock and meat
strategy is implemented. We all know that change is not easy, but
there are already signs that we are on the right track. New markets
are beginning to open to Canadian cattle; however, this access comes
with the condition of age verification. Because Alberta’s producers
have been able to adapt to change and have begun age verifying
animals – indeed, 83 per cent of the livestock has already been age
verified, which is an incredible success, Mr. Speaker – we will be
able to respond and take advantage of these opportunities as more
borders open.
I encourage all members of our livestock and meat industry and
all of my colleagues here to continue to support the strategy. I also
want to thank the minister and the Premier for their clear vision and
determination, that have shown that this is incredibly important and
that working with a progressive industry, Mr. Speaker, has had great
successes, that are critical to the future success of the industry in our
province.Thank you.