|
CCA celebrates 75 years at semi-annual meeting, conventionThe Canadian Cattlemen's Association held its semi-annual meeting and convention in Halifax, N.S. on Aug. 13 to 17 and approved changes recommended through the review of its structure as well as policy recommendations by the Biofuels Task Force related to the impact of the biofuels sector on the beef industry. The convention highlighted the fact that 2007 marks the 75th anniversary of the CCA. It included a look back over the past 75 years and focused on how the industry can move forward with presentations by Dr. Jill Hobbs from the University of Saskatchewan and her discussion on traceability through the supply chain, an Australia case study by Allan Bloxsom of Meat and Livestock Australia, and Dean Baglole's discussion on value chain alliance from his perspective with Atlantic Beef Products. Terry Grajczyk presented information on Quality Starts Here and Verified Beef Production while an industry panel discussion featuring Canadian Cattlemen Market Development Council Chair Dave Andrews and CCA Director Brad Wildeman closed the day focusing on the CCA's efforts to advance itself as a leader in animal production, health and beef safety. "We all recognize that the industry has, and is continuing to, evolve. It was interesting to see how the events of the past have led us to where we currently are, and it was useful to hear information from the various speakers on what we need to think about as we grow into an even stronger industry in the future," says Hugh Lynch-Staunton, president of the CCA. "The much-anticipated report from the Biofuels Task Force was presented and approved as were the policy recommendations it made. I feel confident that we can start to move ahead on this issue and many others." The report on the biofuels sector analyzed the current situation in Canada, the potential impacts on the beef industry and policy the CCA should adopt. The CCA approved the following policy recommendations: --That the CCA endorse a clearly defined and expeditious transition to a market-based approach for the production of renewable energy that reestablishes competitive balance between sectors. --That the CCA support the elimination of tariffs on imported biofuels. --That the CCA emphasize that any further encouragement of the biofuels sector should focus on the production of biofuels from sources that do not impact the availability of livestock feed. --That the CCA formally request that the government incorporate safeguard measures in the event of crop shortages, that may include the elimination of remaining tariffs, reduction of mandates, and/or reduction of incentives. The CCA also undertook a strategic review of its structure and governance this year to enhance how it represents its member organizations and provides leadership to the industry. The committee that oversaw this review proposed several recommendations which were put before the board. These structural changes were approved and will be effective for the 2008-2009 year. Additional highlights of the semi-annual meeting and convention included a presentation by the Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture Brook Taylor and a $50,000 check presentation to the Beef Information Centre by Pfizer to support its marketing and promotion efforts. The CCA's semi-annual meeting and convention is held each August in a different province of Canada to give local cattle producers the opportunity to view their national organization at work, discuss prevalent industry issues and listen to speakers from across Canada and around the world. The 2008 Semi-Annual Meeting and Convention will be held in Manitoba. Visit www.cattle.ca for further details. 10/8/07 Date: 10/2/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
