Original Blog Post - May 26th:
This morning in the BC Legislature - Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett spoke on BC Beef Day which takes place this Thursday as follows:
Thank you, hon. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to something of special importance to many — to myself and to rural British Columbia — the ranching and beef industry. May 29 is B.C. Beef Day. In partnership with the B.C. Cattlemen's Association, the B.C. Association of Cattle Feeders and the B.C. Association of Abattoirs, we honour all the cattle ranchers and farmers who work and make their living in the beef industry.
It's a tough job but one that is a way of life for many British Columbians. B.C. ranchers take pride in filling the first role in the beef production chain. Ranching is also an important part of the history, environment, economy and future of British Columbia.
The annual B.C. Beef Day is a great example of our government and the agrifood industry working together to promote local foods and generate economic benefits for B.C.'s food producers and communities. It is of great importance to our economy and agriculture sector, as there are 5,069 farms reporting beef cattle, and 1,593 were feedlot operations. There are 60 provincially licensed abattoirs, and 36 are for red meat. The total economic contribution of the industry is estimated at $600 million annually or 0.25 percent of the provincial GDP.
B.C. ranchers occupy more than five million acres of private land and have tenure on a further 21.5 million acres of Crown land. It's impossible to travel this province without noticing the beef industry, whether it's driving through ranch land, past a feedlot or stopping for a burger at a road side restaurant. As part of B.C. Beef Day, local community organizations are encouraged to have community barbecues and to partner with local grocery stores to celebrate.
The B.C. Legislature also hosts a barbecue to celebrate on the back lawn. If you eat beef, then, you have an interest in B.C. Beef Day. As more and more of us develop grocery stores to celebrate. The B.C. Legislature also hosted a barbecue to celebrate on the back lawn.
If you eat beef then you have an interest in B.C. Beef Day. As more and more of us develop an awareness of where our food comes from, it is important that we stay informed about the cattle industry in British Columbia. Our government is committed to promoting local foods, and we look forward to continuing to work with the industry on a certified-B.C. beef label. The certified-B.C. beef logo on beef products, from prime cuts in fine restaurants to ground beef in the meat case at your local grocery, guarantees that the beef was born, raised, fed and processed in British Columbia. That is something to be truly proud of.
It is also worth highlighting the many positive effects the beef industry can have on the environment. The agriculture industry is closely tied with the environment. Ranchers know that a healthy environment and good business go hand in hand. Cattle, like all living things, have a place in nature's cycle, contributing to its balance by consuming and returning nutrients to their natural surroundings. Pasture lands used to feed livestock play a large role in cleaning our air. Carbon is absorbed through the extensive root systems on grasslands, in some cases working more effectively than trees.
Most land used in cattle production is unsuitable for crops. Ranching enables this land to contribute to food production. Ultimately, when you think of it, cattle production uses simple resources like sun, soil and grass to grow a healthy, safe and delicious product.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today on the importance of cattle ranching and the hard work B.C. ranchers do in our province.
And after BC NDP MLA Nick Simons (Powell River-Sunshine Coast) responded to the statement, MLA Barnett concluded with:
Our (BC Liberals) goal has always been to support agriculture and the people who work in it. We are protecting valuable farmland and further supporting farming families in the farming sector. A one-size-fits-all approach to regulating the use of farmland does not reflect this reality. We want to help farmers and ranchers, many of whom are from my constituency, grow their business and earn a better living.
Initiatives by our government such as the provincial Buy Local program with the B.C. Association of Cattle Feeders are helping introduce retailers and consumers to the certified B.C. beef brand in order to build relationships and promote these fine local products.
B.C. beef is safe, as the industry practises safe and healthy methods in all production aspects, including animal health, transportation, food safety and traceability. The B.C. cattle industry is extremely diverse and includes small hobby farms, diversified operations and large cattle ranchers.
Most land in cattle production is unsuitable for crops. Ranching enables this land to contribute to food production. Many ranchers collaborate with environmental and conservation groups to develop and protect areas on both private and government lands. B.C. beef producers are true land stewards and work to protect and sustain lands through a variety of programs and management practices. We support our farmers and ranchers and are pleased this week to celebrate B.C. Beef Day.
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