Canada wants to export bison meat to the US and Europe

Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau recently announced an investment of up to $133,611 over two years to support the economic growth of Canada's bison industry.

Helping bison producers seize market opportunities for their high-quality products contributes to a healthy and sustainable economy, the government said in a press release. With funding from the AgriMarketing program, the Association of Canadian Bison Producers will receive the necessary resources to step up its efforts to expand market access in Europe and increase exports of Canadian Bison MEAT to the United States. 

The bison industry is an increasingly important contributor to the Canadian economy, with exports of live bison and bison meat reaching nearly $90 million in 2021. Demand is rising as more consumers view bison as a source of lean, nutrient-dense, naturally-raised meat. 

The increase in bison exports is driving economic activity along the entire value chain, including in many of the rural communities where producers work. As the economic recovery continues, the Canadian government is supporting the bison industry with the resources it needs to rebuild important markets and boost exports to spur economic growth.

"These investments are critical to helping the bison industry rebuild European markets and to support strategies to boost exports to the United States," said Terry Kremeniuk, executive DIRECTOR of the Canadian Bison Producers Association. 

About 150,000 bison live on more than 980 farms in CANADA. Production is concentrated in the west, with 79% of the livestock located in Saskatchewan and Alberta.