March 28, 2006

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk today announced the creation of the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council to manage a new industry fund to invest in slaughter capacity.

"This new council will help cattle producers address a top priority of their industry which is to develop successful Manitoba-owned slaughter facilities," Wowchuk said. "This will allow producers to put their energy and entrepreneurial talents to work creating new opportunities and guarding against border closures and other challenges that can threaten their livelihood."

The council will administer a fund that will provide a much-needed investment pool to help fund slaughter capacity. Funds will be provided through an ongoing industry levy. In addition, the province is committing to matching producer contributions to the fund, to be reviewed after three years.

The province is providing the first $1 million of its matching contribution immediately. The province will also provide the council with repayable start-up financing of $10 million. These funds are included within the current year’s budget.

"Producers have told us they don’t want government to own slaughter facilities but they do want us to be at the table as partners in expanding the province’s slaughter capacity," said Wowchuk. "This partnership approach will facilitate producer participation in the industry and will give projects the financing help they need."

The minister announced the first three members of the panel will be cattle producer Don Yanick, dairy producer Neil Van Ryssel and former agriculture minister Bill Uruski.

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