BEEF CATTLE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FUND

Download APPLICATION (Word)
Download APPLICATION  (PDF)

Cattle producers in British Columbia have supported the levy (check-off) on cattle for many years.  $1 per head becomes the CIDC fund which is used to promote the cattle industry in BC and to support research or education programs. Triggering a match from the Beef Cattle Industry Development Trust earnings double these producer dollars.  During the first ten years of fund operation, $7 million has been triggered from the Trust to contribute to projects with a total value of over $20 million.

The BCIDFund is managed by British Columbia cattle producers sitting on the Cattle Industry Development Council.  The mission statement about managing the fund is "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 of the BCID Fund

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 Statement

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 toe guide CIDC in providing leadership for the beef industry through the BCID Fund.