BIC Activities
The Beef Information Centre (BIC) is the Beef Market Development division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. BIC uses an integrated approach, focusing programs on five key areas – improving the quality & consistency of beef; increasing beef’s convenience; expanding the use and value of all cuts; improving food safety; and improving consumers' perceptions about beef’s healthfulness and wholesomeness.
To enhance the effectiveness of its efforts, BIC channels its market development programs to target those “gatekeepers” – retailers, processors, foodservice distributors and operators, health professionals and media – who have the most impact on how beef is merchandised, marketed and portrayed to the consumer.
Structure
BIC is governed by a Committee of thirteen elected beef producers. The BIC Committee represents the interests of over 90,000 beef producers across Canada. Provincial representation on this committee is based on the level of funding by that province.
The BIC Committee sets the policy, strategic direction, and budget of the Beef Information Centre, and it is accountable to the 29-member board of elected directors of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association.
Funding
The Beef Information Centre receives funding from beef producers through a beef check-off. The beef producer pays the check-off fee at the time the animal is sold. Additionally, BIC receives government funding from various programs for specific projects.
BIC Offices
There are two national offices which are located in Eastern and Western Canada. The offices are complimented by a network of professionals from across Canada which adds further expertise to BIC.
Industry Profile
Unlike some commodities that are marketed in a supply-managed system, the beef industry trades freely in the marketplace without controls on supplies and price.
The price of beef is determined by supply and demand. Demand is the quantity of beef consumers are willing and able to buy given the price and choices of alternatives available to them.
Canada's Beef Industry Fast Facts
Canadian Beef Cow Herd Production
Production
Beef and Cattle Exports
Top 12 World Beef Producing Countries - 2004
Did You Know...
Links
Canadian Cattlemen's Association
www.cattle.ca
Canada Beef Export Federation
www.cbef.com
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
www.cfia-acia.agr.ca
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
www.agr.ca
B.C. Cattlemen’s Association
http://cattlemen.bc.ca
Alberta Beef Producers
www.albertabeef.org
Saskatchewan Stock Growers
www.skstockgrowers.com
Manitoba Cattle Producers Association
http://www.mcpa.net/
Ontario Cattlemen's Association
www.cattle.guelph.on.ca
Ontario Veal Association
www.ontarioveal.on.ca
Quebec Beef Federation
www.bovin.qc.ca
Nova Scotia Cattlemen’s Association
www.nscattle.ca
Visit Raising Cattle for more links.
