The Canadian beef industry has announced a levy will now be collected on the import of beef from outside the country. It would be the first in Canada’s agriculture sector to collect a levy on imports.
“This levy on imported cattle and beef cuts will help Canada Beef improve on the great work it already does in beef promotion and research,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in Winchester, Ontario on Tuesday.
Chuck Maclean of Canada Beef Inc. said domestic importers had called on the levies for years.
“The industry, especially in western Canada has been pretty adamant about this levy,” said Maclean.
The levy works out to the equivalent of one dollar per head of cattle. Its collection could be worth up to $800,000 per year, with the money staying within the beef industry.
“Those dollars will help producers expand their markets, increase sales and fund research projects,” Ritz said.
According to Canada Beef Inc., the levy will result in a more equitable relationship with trading partners.
It’s expected the added cost will be minimal enough, consumers are unlikely to notice a jump in price at grocery stores.
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