The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) expects to be better able to form industry-government partnerships now that it’s incorporated, the agency said Monday.
The agency, which reports to provincial Agriculture Minister George Groeneveld, got its incorporation status Monday.
“This is an important step in creating a successful partnership with industry and transitioning to a more profitable future for the entire industry,” Groeneveld said in a release.
ALMA, set up by the province starting in June last year, is intended to align and redirect government funds, resources and programs to “revitalize” the province’s livestock sector and help boost industry competitiveness and profitability, with market access among its priorities.
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Board members have already formed a market access subcommittee, ALMA said Monday. That subcommittee is to work with industry to achieve increased market access for Alberta livestock and meat products.
Alberta veterinarian and cattle producer Dr. Kee Jim will chair the subcommittee, whose other members will include ALMA directors Harry Hayakawa, John Weekes, Ted Bilyea, Charlie Gracey and ALMA CEO Jeff Kucharski.
“Concentrating on increased market access, to regions such as Asia, will help improve profitability and competitiveness for our own producers,” ALMA board chairman Joe Makowecki said in the province’s release. “It is the most important task facing ALMA.”
