Reviewing government policy frameworks on improving the sustainability of the beef industry in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

This study reviews the federal and provincial policy and regulatory framework of Canada to examine the extent to which they contribute to the sustainability of the beef industry in Atlantic Canada. A content analysis of acts (3), regulations/orders (9), gazettes (1), programs, projects (5), and action/strategic plans (6) was carried out to ascertain the policy directions and incentives promoting the sustainability of the industry. Policy statements that contain the provision of financial assistance,
promoting the beef industry, risk management strategies, providing extension support, and training related to Atlantic Canada compared with other regions/provinces; notably: Ontario. Of the federal policy documents reviewed, the government of Canada Emergency Assistance, the Wildlife Damage
Compensation Program and the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program were aimed to provide financial assistance for beef producers in Canada. After reviewing the provincial policy documents, it was revealed that the Ontario government has been given a significant effort to develop a sustainable beef industry and promote beef products in the region through programs like the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) Share-cost Program, Ontario's Risk Management Program (RMP), and
the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. Beef Rotational Grazing Initiative 2022-2023, Business Planning for New Brunswick Cattle Producers, and Maritime Beef Sector Development & Expansion Strategy were identified as production education initiatives for beef producers in Atlantic Canada. Beef Herd Renewal and Improvement Program in New Brunswick, and Preconditioning
Pilot Projects in Nova Scotia were key movements for sustainable beef production in the region as identified in the study. Re-visiting regional policy goals and policy instruments will be worthwhile for the sustainability of the beef industry in Atlantic Canada while adopting and adjusting successfully federal and other provincial initiatives.

Full text

Reviewing government policy frameworks on improving the sustainability of the beef industry
in Atlantic Canada
Chanuka Swarnathilake, Josianne Doucet, Ashley MacDonald, Christopher Hartt
Dalhousie University
This study reviews the federal and provincial policy and regulatory framework of Canada to examine
the extent to which they contribute to the sustainability of the beef industry in Atlantic Canada. A
content analysis of acts (3), regulations/orders (9), gazettes (1), programs, projects (5), and
action/strategic plans (6) was carried out to ascertain the policy directions and incentives promoting
the sustainability of the industry. Policy statements that contain the provision of financial assistance,
promoting the beef industry, risk management strategies, providing extension support, and training
related to Atlantic Canada compared with other regions/provinces; notably: Ontario. Of the federal
policy documents reviewed, the government of Canada Emergency Assistance, the Wildlife Damage
Compensation Program, and the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program were aimed to provide
financial assistance for beef producers in Canada. After reviewing the provincial policy documents,
it was revealed that the Ontario government has been given a significant effort to develop a
sustainable beef industry and promote beef products in the region through programs like the Beef
Farmers of Ontario (BFO) Share-cost Program, Ontario's Risk Management Program (RMP), and
the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. Beef Rotational Grazing Initiative 2022-2023,
Business Planning for New Brunswick Cattle Producers, and Maritime Beef Sector Development &
Expansion Strategy were identified as production education initiatives for beef producers in Atlantic
Canada. Beef Herd Renewal and Improvement Program in New Brunswick, and Preconditioning
Pilot Project in Nova Scotia were key movements for sustainable beef production in the region as
identified in the study. Re-visiting regional policy goals and policy instruments will be worthwhile
for the sustainability of the beef industry in Atlantic Canada while adopting and adjusting successful
federal and other provincial initiatives.
Keywords: Policy frameworks, Sustainability, Beef industry, Atlantic Canada
ch489144@dal.ca