APPLICATION PACKAGE

Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund

Background

The Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund (BCID Fund) is financed out of the revenues generated by a Trust Fund established by the Province in 1994, consisting of a sum of $9.3 million. The terms of the Trust Fund specify that there will be no encroachment on the capital, and that this Trust Fund will be available to finance the BCID Funds for a period of 20 years. After 20 years (March 31, 2014) the Trustee must transfer any assets remaining in the Trust fund to the Province. It should be noted that only when non-government funds are contributed toward projects that fit the priorities of the BCID Fund, will matching funds be triggered from the Trust for that purpose.

Mission statement
"To manage the Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund in a way that will effectively enhance the profitability, viability, sustainability of the beef cattle industry in British Columbia for the short, medium and long term."

Objectives

• Improve the viability, profitability, and sustainability of the British Columbia beef cattle industry.
• Improve the British Columbia beef cattle industry's responsiveness to changing needs in the marketplace and environment.
• Provide efficient quality services to the British Columbia beef cattle industry.
• Foster co-operation within the British Columbia beef cattle industry to achieve the purpose of the BCID fund; and
• Address any other important matters affecting the British Columbia beef cattle industry as they relate to the purpose of the BCID Fund.

BCID Fund Priorities

Applications that are consistent with the following criteria and address one or more priorities within the program areas of activities are encouraged.

• Projects which improve the viability, profitability and sustainability of the beef cattle industry in B.C.
• Projects which improve the beef cattle industry's responsiveness to changing needs in the marketplace.
• Projects which provide efficient and quality services to the beef cattle industry.
• Projects which foster co-operation within the beef cattle industry in the province, and
• Projects which address any other matter affecting the beef cattle industry.

These areas of activity will be given priority:

a) Production and Processing Development

• develop new production technology which will improve the profitability and viability of the beef producer;
  
• develop new value-added beef products (fresh or processed) which will improve the demand for beef products in niche markets;
  
• develop crop/animal production systems that have a positive environmental impact;
  
• address animal care and animal welfare issues;

b) Market Development

• develop marketing strategies, plans and systems for the beef industry;
  
• conduct market research related to practices which improve the quality, flavour, tenderness and safety of beef products, or which have a positive impact on the environment;
  
• increase market opportunities through new value-added beef products and specialty products for ethnic markets.
  
• test market new products and packaging;
  
• studies to evaluate new applications of marketing and distributions systems; and
  
• conduct research into consumption/consumer trends.

c) Education and Awareness Projects

• provide opportunities to improve managerial and technological skills of producers;
  
• provide teacher and classroom education of the beef industry; and
  
• augment the work of the Beef Information Centre to provide education on the nutritional value and safety of beef products;

d) Studies

• Studies that evaluate the impact on the industry of certain government proposals, or to guide CIDC in providing leadership for the beef industry through the BCID Fund.