The consolidation of beef processing plants in Alberta has kept meat prices affordable in Canada but has also made the industry vulnerable to disease outbreaks, according to a new report.
The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy study released Wednesday warned that beef production shutdowns similar to what occurred early in the pandemic could “easily happen again.” COVID-19 rattled the beef industry and raised awareness about consolidation after coronavirus outbreaks forced the temporary closure of multiple meat-packing plants last spring, pushing up retail prices and lowering cattle prices.
About 70 per cent of Canada’s beef production is located in just two Alberta plants. The study by the Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation said creating a greater number of smaller-scale facilities scattered across the country would better insulate the food industry from a future pandemic.
Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard is likely to be published Friday, kicking off a comment period ahead of the standard becoming law. For a what-we-know and what-we-don’t discussion, we go to Marla Orenstein, of the Canada West Foundation, on this RealAg LIVE! Q&A.
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SUMMARY
Who is the Canada West Foundation?
CWF has put out a report on the “Citizen’s Guide to the Clean Fuel Standard”
Lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower the carbon intensity of the fuel we use
Carbon tax vs. Clean Fuel Standard. They are different!