Trump Plan to Import Argentine Beef Angers U.S. Farmers
Trump Plan to Import Argentine Beef Angers U.S. Farmers
Canada and Mexico Strengthen Agri-food Cooperation
Canada and Mexico Strengthen Agri-food Cooperation
Dylan Miedema Crowned Ontario’s Finest Butcher for 2025
Dylan Miedema Crowned Ontario’s Finest Butcher for 2025
New CCA Survey Shows Canadians’ Perception of Beef Shifting
CFIA Report Card: Assessing Regulatory Burden and Service Delivery for SMEs
New CCA Survey Shows Canadians’ Perception of Beef Shifting CFIA Report Card: Assessing Regulatory Burden and Service Delivery for SMEs
November 2025
Meat Institute Issues Statement on Beef
Processing Sector DOJ Investigation
How McDonald’s Quietly Became One of Canadian Farmers’ Biggest Allies
Trump Plan to Import Argentine Beef Angers
U.S. Farmers Canada and Mexico
Strengthen Agri-food Cooperation
5 6 8 10 13 16 18 20 24 28
Dylan Miedema Crowned
Ontario’s Finest Butcher for 2025
New CCA Survey Shows Canadians’ Perception of Beef Shifting
Global Beef Sustainability Conversations: From Insights to Actions in a Complex World
McDonald’s Launches $200M Grassland Conservation
Initiativ Canadian Beef Producers Request Termination of the Canada-UK Continuity Agreement
CFIA Report Card: Assessing Regulatory Burden and Service Delivery for SMEs
PUBLISHER
Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusinesspro.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Deb Wilson deborah@meatbusinesspro.com
VP SALES & MARKETING
Murray Hill murray@meatbusinesspro.com
DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR
Cam Patterson cam@meatbusinesspro.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Patrick Cairns
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Adam Burton, Jeff Mason, Tom Polansek, Leah Douglas, Olivia Taylor, Juliette Nicolaÿ, Jack Roberts
Meat Business Pro is published 12 times a year by We Communications West Inc
MEAT INSTITUTE ISSUES STATEMENT ON BEEF PROCESSING SECTOR DOJ INVESTIGATION
The U.S. Department of Justice has begun an investigation into alleged price fixing by meatpacking companies at the instruction of President Donald Trump.
Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed the start of the probe on November 7, and it is being led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater, who heads the department’s antitrust division.
Bondi’s announcement followed Trump’s call for an inquiry into what he described as artificially inflated beef prices.
The Meat Institute has released the following statement on President Trump’s call for a Department of Justice investigation into the beef processing sector:
CO MMUNICATIONS W EST IN C
We Communications West Inc. 106-530 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3N 1Z4
The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part, without prior written consent from the publisher
“Despite high consumer prices for beef, beef packers have been losing money because the price of cattle is at record highs,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For more than a year, beef packers have been operating at a loss due to a tight cattle supply and strong demand.
“The beef industry is heavily regulated, and market transactions are transparent. The government’s own data from USDA confirms that the beef packing sector is experiencing catastrophic losses and experts predict this will continue into 2026.
“U.S. beef processors welcome a fact-based discussion about beef affordability and how best to meet the needs of American consumers, who are the industry’s most important stakeholders.
“Beef packers rely on cattle producers and cattle producers rely on beef packers. The entire beef value chain is strongest when supply is balanced by demand. Beef packers remain committed to ensuring safe, delicious, and nutrient dense beef remains affordable to American families who rely on its nourishment. We welcome the President and his team to visit our members' beef facilities, both large and small, to witness firsthand the pride, skill, and dedication they bring to their work every single day.”
For more information, visit MeatInstitute.org
HOW MCDONALD’S QUIETLY BECAME ONE OF CANADIAN FARMERS’ BIGGEST ALLIES
By Adam Burton, Postmedia Content Works
At Chinook Ranch in Longview, Alberta, the days start early. As the sun rises above the hills, Canadian farmer Stephen Hughes’ day is well underway. His daily routine is shaped by a deep connection with the land, animals and deep-rooted Canadian agricultural heritage.
That connection has grown to include McDonald’s Canada.
“Having partners like McDonald’s, who are dedicated to sourcing 100 per cent Canadian beef, plays a crucial role in helping advance agricultural practices and supporting the next generation of Canadian farmers,” says Hughes. “This commitment helps support the resilience of the Canadian beef industry, innovation within the industry and local economies.”
ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
For Canadian farmers and ranchers, being prepared for the unexpected is part of the job. Droughts, fluctuating markets and evolving legislation are constant.
For small operations where margins are the tightest, these challenges can be especially pressing and having a consistent and reliable customer can make all the difference. While McDonald’s Canada works with its trusted supplier Cargill to source Canadian beef, the company’s commitment to the industry helps strengthen the entire ranching community and helps provides stability for farms across the country.
Hughes is one of many ranchers certified by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), of which McDonald’s Canada is a founding member and continues to be a strong supporter in developing Canadian standards for the advancement of farming and ranching practices in the beef industry.
But the brand goes beyond sourcing beef — it’s invested in the future of Canadian agriculture. Through programs like Canadian Cattle Young Leaders and 4-H Canada, McDonald’s Canada supports the next generation of farmers, mentoring young leaders and helping to drive innovation that helps sustain the industry for years to come.
“McDonald’s commitment to supporting the beef industry helps ensure that we’re equipped with the tools we need to keep moving forward,” says Hughes. “With McDonald’s restaurants being one of the largest buyers of Canadian beef, it’s reassuring to know that the company is invested in our long-term success.”
This steady support gives operations like Chinook Ranch the confidence to plan for the future — not just get through the next season but build resilience for what’s ahead.
SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES
McDonald’s restaurants purchase over 72 million pounds of Canadian beef and more than 160 million pounds of Canadian potatoes for its World Famous Fries and Hash Browns per year in recent years, a volume that supports farms like Hughes’ and helps sustain local communities. They also purchase Canadian-raised chicken, Canada Grade A eggs, and Canadian dairy, ingredients customers enjoy every day, perhaps without realizing their Canadian roots.
From expansive ranches in Alberta to potato fields in New Brunswick, McDonald’s is an anchor for many rural communities. For farmers, consistent demand means more than revenue. It brings peace of mind. Farmers can invest in improvements, weather economic uncertainty and continue traditions passed from generation to generation.
A SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE LAND
Beyond sourcing Canadian ingredients, McDonald’s Canada has taken steps to partner with organizations that help support the future of Canadian agriculture. Through its support of the Beef Cattle Research Council, the company is helping to fund research initiatives that focus on improving soil health, cattle productivity, carbon sequestration and grazing management, designed to help improve productivity while continuing to respect the land.
“For us on the ranch, this kind of research is invaluable,” says Hughes. “It means we have access to the latest findings and practices that can help us run our operations more efficiently.”
GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY
One of the reasons McDonald’s Canada’s sourcing model works is because the brand has been deeply grounded in communities since the first restaurant opened in Richmond, B.C. in 1967. More than ninety per cent of McDonald’s restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees with the remaining 10 per cent owned and operated corporately by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited — meaning the people growing the food and serving it often live in the same community.
The result is a supply chain that ensures the benefits of this large-scale demand don’t just stay in large cities and corporations, but flow back to the small farms and towns they depend on.
That connection extends to employment, with franchisees across the country employing thousands of Canadians, many of whom are entering the job market for the first time.
A LASTING LEGACY
For many Canadians, McDonald’s is a go-to spot for a quick meal, but there’s a lot more going on behind the counter.
Whether it’s restaurants buying Canadian ingredients or the company making investments that help support the farming industry, McDonald’s restaurants not only feed nearly two million guests a day, but fuel the communities they operate in.
Article courtesy of Contents Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of McDonald’s Canada.
TRUMP PLAN TO IMPORT ARGENTINE BEEF ANGERS U.S. FARMERS
By Jeff Mason, Tom Polansek and Leah Douglas, Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is quadrupling the country's low-tariff imports of Argentine beef in his attempt to lower grocery store beef prices, a White House official announced in late October, evoking fury from the nation's cattle ranchers.
Raising the tariff rate quota on Argentine beef to 80,000 metric tons will let the country ship more of its beef to the U.S. at a lower rate of duty. U.S. beef prices have set records due to tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced a plan to expand the domestic cattle herd and support American cattle ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Fox Business Network said the administration was working to support both beef consumers and ranchers.
But hiking imports has angered U.S. ranchers, who largely supported Trump in his campaigns for president. They said the government should back U.S. producers and that increased imports threaten their livelihoods.
Farmers were also angered by Trump's $20 billion currency swap with Argentina while they lost out to the South American nation on soybean sales to China.
"A deal of this magnitude with Argentina would undercut the very foundation of our cattle industry," said Justin Tupper, a South Dakota cattle producer and president of the United States Cattlemen's Association.
Rollins told Fox Business: "There is frustration on both sides. And I was with the president yesterday and he is very, very frustrated because (of) everything he's done to cut taxes, to bring down costs."
Economists said the administration's approach would probably not do much to lower prices quickly. U.S. cattle supplies have dropped to their lowest levels in decades after a drought burned up pasture lands used for grazing and hiked feeding costs, forcing ranchers to reduce their herds.
BEEF HEADED FOR HAMBURGERS
The U.S. imported about 33,000 metric tons of Argentine beef in 2024, representing 2% of total imports, according to government data.
Those imports tend to be lean beef that is mixed with domestic supplies to make hamburger meat, and increasing the quota would not likely bring down consumer prices much, U.S. analysts said. Some of the beef could be served at restaurants or mixed into other food products, which could help restaurant operators and food companies improve their margins, the analysts said.
Miguel Schiariti, president of Argentina's Meat Industry Chamber, CICCRA, told Reuters that meat exports to the U.S. consist of the country's traditional beef cuts and meat used in the hamburger industry to lower fat levels.
"It's good news for the industry," Schiariti said. "Argentine beef is highly valued in the U.S. It has very good press. Argentina is rebuilding its distribution chain in the United States."
FARM-STATE LAWMAKERS WORRIED
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, a Republican, told reporters that he was concerned about White House policy on Argentine beef and hopes to influence its implementation.
"We're paying close attention to it, and we've been in touch with the White House, Department of Agriculture, U.S. trade rep on all this stuff, trying to figure out where it's headed,” Thune said.
Fellow Republican Representative Adrian Smith of Nebraska, a major cattle state, said in a statement that he was also concerned about imports.
"Policy and statements which unduly influence and undermine the domestic cattle market threaten our domestic food security and are not helpful," Smith said.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump had pledged to protect ranchers and deliver economic relief for everyday Americans.
CANADA AND MEXICO STRENGTHEN AGRI-FOOD COOPERATION
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald and the Mexico Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, met on October 14 to discuss bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation and trade ties between the two countries.
This meeting is part of the Canada–Mexico Action Plan 2025–2028, announced on September 18, 2025, by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, through which both governments reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a dynamic bilateral agenda aimed at achieving shared objectives over the next three years.
Through these actions, Canada and Mexico seek to continue strengthening their role as strategic partners in the global agri-food trade fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and growing sector that enabled agri-food trade between both countries to increase by 50% from 2018 to 2023.
During the meeting, both officials emphasized the strategic importance of the Canada–Mexico relationship in ensuring sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. They highlighted progress in agri-food trade, scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable rural development, as well as their shared interest in expanding technical and commercial cooperation.
Minister MacDonald recognized Mexico’s key role as a strategic global partner and reinforced the opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and technical cooperation, particularly in the grain, oilseeds, horticulture and animal protein sectors, while respecting each country’s inspection and regulatory systems.
Secretary Berdegué underscored the need to strengthen integrated North American value chains, promote sustainable productivity, and reinforce cooperation mechanisms to address common challenges such as climate change, animal and plant health, and the transition toward low-emission agriculture.
The Minister and Secretary emphasized the importance of science and technology collaboration and sharing of expertise. They committed to convening a meeting of scientists from both departments to identify areas of further collaboration and to report back within the next six months.
Mexico has accepted Canada’s proposal to ease import requirements for eligible apples from Eastern Canadian Provinces starting in January 2026 and meaningful progress has been made on mutual laboratory and inspection recognition. In addition, Canada and Mexico have agreed to a new certificate that will provide new access for Canadian pet food that contains bovine ingredients to the Mexican market.
Canada has also accepted to establish a joint working group to analyze and propose measures to support regulatory recognition in meat and seafood.
Both countries also agreed to advance the implementation of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Work Plan to expand market access and ensure competitive, safe, and high-quality products for consumers and processors. Additionally, Canada and Mexico agreed to adopt electronic certification for plant products such as canola and wheat and to continue to work towards expansion of this tool to other products to facilitate efficient trade for both countries.
Leveraging existing mechanisms such as the CanadaMexico Consultative Committee and Agri-Business Working Group, they agreed to strengthen collaboration and information exchange focused on food security, competitiveness, trade expansion and diversification.
Concurrent with the ministerial meeting, an industryled Mexico–Canada Agri-business Dialogue with sector leaders from both countries was held to identify collaboration opportunities to increase bilateral trade and address challenges related to agri-food product facilitation in the short and medium term.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, Minister MacDonald and Secretary Berdegué met with participants to hear concrete recommendations to increase and facilitate bilateral agri-food trade in an effort to ensure a competitive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector in the face of global challenges.
These meetings take place in a context of renewed momentum in bilateral relations, following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Mexico and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s visit to Alberta during the G7 Summit, which presented new opportunities to deepen cooperation in sustainable agribusiness, and inclusive trade, while benefiting economies in both nations.
NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA
Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing food industry
DYLAN MIEDEMA CROWNED ONTARIO’S FINEST BUTCHER FOR 2025
NSF International in Canada recently launched a new website - www.nsfcanada.ca - to give Canada’s growing and complex food and beverage industry easy access to the global public health organization’s expertise and services in Canada. The website combines information on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF International Canadian office with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality.
After an intense and highly anticipated competition, Dylan Miedema was crowned Ontario’s Finest Butcher for 2025. The grand finale, part of the bi-annual Meating Place Conference, was held at the Blue Mountain Conference Centre in October, and spotlighted the exceptional skill, precision, and creativity of Ontario’s top butchers.
This year’s competition was a true showcase of mastery and precision, bringing together 13 of Ontario’s most skilled butchers earlier this year at the elimination round, in a thrilling display of craftsmanship and creativity. Through demanding rounds that tested technique, speed, and artistry, the field was narrowed to three exceptional finalists - Sulaiman Hakimi of Halenda’s Fine Foods, Rakesh Khadoo of Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd., and Dylan Meidema of Townsend Butchers Inc.
Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing, consulting, technical services, training and education, food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development.
NSF International’s Canadian website provides information on the following services:
Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits and certifications, which are integral components of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management system registration.
Each competitor demonstrated unwavering focus and exceptional skill under pressure, but it was Dylan Miedema of Townsend Butchers Inc. who ultimately claimed the title of Ontario’s Finest Butcher, and took home the official black jacket and prize package.
Consulting: A full-service team approach providing technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range of food safety and quality services. NSF International provides finished product inspection testing for food, packaging and non-food testing for rapid analysis and insight to protect the brand, technical support services from on-site temporary or permanent technical staffing placements, and various types of consulting.
accredited International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment.
Dylan has had a decade of hands-on butchery experience at Townsend Butchers Inc. in Simcoe, Ontario. Starting at age 16, he has worked in every corner of the shop; from the cut-room and kill-floor to the sausage and smokehouse rooms, where he gained
Additionally, the website includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario drinking water programs.
Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn about upcoming events and global news releases, submit a question or read an FAQ.
A one-stop solution for food product compliance and formulation, from concept to finished product, including food and label compliance, packaging, product and process development, and shelf-life and
Training for the global food and beverage industry across the supply chain as an
“I was nervous at the beginning but excited at the end,” said Miedema about the final round. “This isn’t my first competition - I’ve placed in the top three for the last three years, and I competed two years before that. Five years ago, I didn’t place, but I completed the challenge. What I’ve learned from these competitions is the importance of precision, making sure your strings are neat and even, your cuts are straight, and that there’s very little waste. Most importantly, it all has to look good to the eye.”
Judges praised Miedema for his craftsmanship, innovation, and experience gained from previous competitions.
Troy Spicer, from Fanshawe College, commented, “It’s been great to see Dylan over the last few years hone his craft and develop a real understanding of what competition is all about. Any experience in the competition arena helps prepare you for the world stage - and you could see the planning he put in and the methodical way he works. He wasn’t scattered; he was focused and calm, and that really made the difference.”
During the final round, the three talented butchers were challenged to transform three surprise proteins into a “Festive Family Feast” display - all within 45 minutes. It was Miedema’s seasoned skill, creative vision, and unwavering dedication that set him apart, securing his position as this year’s champion. Contestants were judged on precision, creativity, and presentation.
In its 12th year, Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition continues to highlight the skill, passion, and artistry of the province’s meat industry - celebrating craftsmanship and inspiring the next generation of Ontario butchers.
The competition is sponsored by: Handtmann Canada, Fortinos, Ontario Beef, Malabar Ingredients, Conestoga Meat Packers, The Yes Group, Mee-Chef, Noropac, Newmarket Meat Packers, and Hayter’s Farm.
About Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition
Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition is a prestigious event that celebrates the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Ontario's butchers. Organized by Meat & Poultry Ontario, the competition brings together talented butchers from across the province to showcase their skills.
About Meat & Poultry Ontario (MPO)
Meat & Poultry Ontario (MPO) is the heart of Ontario’s meat industry. Our members are independent businesses proud to serve the communities they live and work in. The association is comprised of meat and poultry processors, wholesalers, retailers, industry suppliers, and not-for-profit organizations supporting MPO’s objectives.
https://www beaconmetals.com
NEW CCA SURVEY SHOWS CANADIANS’ PERCEPTION OF BEEF SHIFTING
By Olivia Taylor, Rural Roots Canada
For years, beef production has faced criticism over its environmental footprint. However, recent survey data from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) indicates public opinion appears to be shifting.
Each year, the Public & Stakeholder Engagement program at the CCA asks Canadians about their perception of the beef industry. This year saw a rise across all 10 key performance indicators.
Nearly 2,000 consumers from across Canada were asked questions about beef farmers. Do they see them as good stewards of the land? Are they making an effort to limit the environmental impact of their work? How do they feel about beef as a food choice?
Jenna Sarich, stakeholder engagement technical consultant with the CCA, says perceptions of beef farmers specifically went up 7 per cent over the last year.
“So now we have 70 per cent of Canadians feeling quite positive about beef farmers, and really the people left are largely neutral.”
The survey, conducted between July 2024 and July 2025, showed environmental perceptions on the rise, with a 6 per cent increase in Canadians viewing beef as an environmentally friendly food choice. Combined with the previous year’s 8 per cent jump, that is a 14 per cent improvement since 2023.
Quebec saw the largest jump at 19 per cent among men and women. One demographic stands out: younger Canadians aged 18 to 29 showed an 18 per cent increase in environmental perception over just two years.
Sarich can’t pinpoint exactly what’s driving the change, as the survey didn’t cover why there is a growing change in perception, but points to several likely factors.
The National Beef Sustainability Assessment has given the industry scientific credibility on environmental claims. “Now we have some really good science behind what beef producers have known forever,” Sarich said.
She also credits a recent surge in Canadian pride. “Since the beginning of 2025, we’ve really seen a lot of proCanada and a lot of pride within Canada,” she said. “I think that has also kind of gone into the beef industry,
GLOBAL BEEF SUSTAINABILITY CONVERSATIONS: FROM INSIGHTS TO ACTIONS IN A COMPLEX WORLD
Leaders and innovators from across the global beef value chain gathered in Toronto, Canada, on September 25, 2025, for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB)’s Sustainability Communicators’ Summit.
Hosted immediately after the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef’s annual conference and a “Maple Leaf Beef Tour,” the event explored public perceptions of beef industry sustainability using findings from new GRSB global research. The study examined global beef consumption patterns, alignment with GRSB’s sustainability goals, key indicators of sustainability, and how these insights can inform more effective engagement and communications strategies.
The Sustainability Communicators Summit was guided by the theme “Global Beef Sustainability Conversations: From Insights to Actions in a Complex World,” which highlighted the importance of using public perception insights, knowledge sharing, and dialogue to advance sustainability across the industry. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the Summit reinforced the value of collaboration in addressing complex challenges through expert insights, open dialogue, and information sharing.
The event featured presentations, expert panels and interactive workshops for attendees, and it closed with an energizing capstone session led by Canadian public trust expert Crystal Mackay of Loft32 on how to support the people who feed the world.
“The global beef sustainability community comes together through the GRSB, and communicating our collective commitment is a core shared value,” said Andrea White, Chair of the GRSB Communications Council and Director of Marketing & Stakeholder Relations for the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). “It was an honour to host this year’s Communicators’ Summit and the new information gathered through our public perceptions study, along with the diverse perspectives of our value chain members, experts and those involved in policy and communications around the world shows the power of that collaborative effort.”
has really impacted us negatively one way or the other. We’ve traveled a lot, met a lot of other farmers and livestock producers in other parts of Canada, and was the first in Atlantic Canada to be
Yes, I think we were the first farm east of Ontario as far as I understand.
associations wouldn’t have previously nominated anybody because there are
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT INCLUDED:
we were very surprised when the PEI Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm.
• A preview of the GRSB global perception research conducted by Abacus Data
CMB: And then you were attending the Canadian Beef conference in Calgary and you won.
• Brainstorming sessions exploring how consumer insights can drive stronger sustainability strategies
• A panel of global value chain leaders discussing proactive engagement with policymakers to align on shared goals
DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it.
The summit emphasized that beyond sharing data, bringing together diverse stakeholders drives collective progress and strengthens sustainability efforts across the beef value chain by energizing people into action.
CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward?
For more information on GRSB’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit grsbeef.org
About the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing continuous improvement in the sustainability of the global beef value chain. Through collaboration, science, and innovation, GRSB works to ensure beef is produced responsibly, transparently, and in ways that benefit people, animals, and the planet.
DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot of good press highlighting the island cattle industry. I’m positive you’ll see more farms in our neck of the woods nominated next year. And I have to give the Canadian Cattleman’s Association recognition for choosing a farm from Prince Edward Island. We are small players in the national beef industry and I think it was a real credit to their organization to recognize us. They treated all the nominees royally and it was a real class act. It was a wonderful experience.
Beef has been at the core of McDonald’s menu and identity since it first opened its doors 70 years ago.
In September, McDonald's USA announced its participation in an initiative that demonstrates its continued commitment to responsible beef sourcing and stewardship of natural resources.
McDonald’s USA has unveiled its largest investment in regenerative agriculture to date with the launch of the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as key McDonald’s U.S. suppliers.
Launched in 2025, the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative aims to enhance wildlife habitat, conserve water resources and improve soil health. McDonald’s USA supports the initiative as part of its aims to help strengthen the resilience of its U.S. beef supply chain, including economic benefits participating ranchers are expected to receive via incentive payments.
This initiative will invest more than $200 million over the next seven years to help promote and accelerate regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, water and wildlife conservation on cattle ranches spanning 4 million acres across up to 38 states.
Through the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, participating ranchers will have the opportunity to leverage tools and resources to help them improve wildlife habitats, conserve water, and enhance soil health. McDonald’s USA says this initiative will help boost its U.S. supply chain resilience, including by providing participating ranchers economic returns such as incentive payments.
Certain McDonald’s USA suppliers, including Cargill, Golden State Foods, Lopez Foods, OSI and The CocaCola Company have elected to provide funds to NFWF alongside McDonald’s USA. NFWF will independently award competitive grants to organizations that will assist participating ranchers in adopting practices that advance wildlife conservation and regenerative agriculture.
Continued on page 22
“As a brand that serves more than 90% of Americans every year, we recognize the responsibility we have to help safeguard our food systems for long-term vitality,” said Cesar Piña, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America. “Through our support of this initiative, McDonald’s USA is demonstrating the power of partnership between the public and private sectors and that feeding the population and stewarding our natural resources can coexist.”
Many ranchers take pride in serving as stewards of the land, taking care of their communities to help create a better and brighter future. Building off current ranchlevel best practices, this initiative will provide new pathways and resources to help accelerate regenerative grazing for ranchers, like those who are invaluable to McDonald’s U.S. supply chain. NFWF’s selected partner organizations will work with ranchers to help improve grazing land management, protect and restore grasslands and other natural ecosystems, safeguard water, and upgrade ranch infrastructure such as fencing and water systems.
“The benefits of grassland conservation are farreaching,” said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at NFWF. “When cattle are managed to optimize multiple ecological and economic values, the land holds more water, grows better grass and supports more wildlife. Conservation practices voluntarily adopted by ranchers can improve the productivity of grasslands, increase ranching profitability and strengthen the vitality of rural communities across the United States.”
As part of this initiative, NFWF will manage and invest conservation funding to advance ranchers in their voluntary conservation efforts. NFWF is collaborating with its conservation partners across America’s grasslands to identify impactful landscape-scale projects that will generate the greatest possible benefits to both wildlife populations and the productivity of vital U.S. ranch lands. The first round of competitive grantmaking will culminate in the announcement of awards, expected in January 2026.
On behalf of McDonald’s USA, Kateri and Carbon Yield
will provide independent monitoring and quantification of any improvements to soil health.
KEY STRATEGIES INCLUDE:
• Grazing Management: Develop and implement grazing management plans that optimize stocking rates and livestock movements and incorporate virtual fencing and other grazing infrastructure, as appropriate, to promote plant growth above and below ground, improve wildlife habitat, and maximize soil function.
and connectivity through reseeding native plants, controlling invasive vegetation in areas with new and low-density infestations of woody invasive species, and through removing and modifying fencing to facilitate wildlife migrations.
• Protection and Restoration of Water Resources and Wildlife Habitat: Restore riparian buffers and wet meadows (e.g., via streambank re-vegetation, water control structures, beaver mimicry) to improve hydrology, in-stream flows, aquifer recharge, water conservation, and flood and drought resilience. Implement voluntary, permanent conservation efforts that maintain working ranches and restrict subdivision and sod-busting activities (e.g., conservation easements, grass banking). Projects in areas at high risk of tillage, development or degradation will be more competitive.
For additional information about the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, visit https:// www.nfwf.org/programs/grassland-resilience-andconservation-initiative
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) calls for the
CANADIAN BEEF PRODUCERS REQUEST TERMINATION OF THE CANADA-UK CONTINUITY AGREEMENT
Government of Canada to initiate the termination of the Canada-UK Continuity Agreement, following the tabling of the UK Accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) legislation.
In July 2023, the Government of Canada announced the accession of the UK to the CPTPP agreement. CCA, our provincial members, and beef producers across the country urged Canada to “say no to a bad deal”. Since then, the UK has not made any effort to address the non-tariff barriers that are keeping Canadian beef out of the UK market. At the same time, UK beef imports into the Canadian market have increased from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024.
“We are calling on all Parliamentarians to stand up for Canadian beef producers,” said Tyler Fulton, President of CCA. “In these uncertain geopolitical times, we need every opportunity to diversify our markets.”
Accession legislation, CCA is requesting the Canadian Government to terminate the Continuity Agreement subject to Article VVII (4) for failing to meet commitments under Article IV (4) and Chapter 5 SPS. The continuity agreement between Canada and the UK was set up as a bridge after Brexit—with a commitment to conclude negotiations on a formal bilateral agreement within three years of the trade continuity agreement (TCA), which came into force April 1, 2021. As the UK walked away from bilateral negotiations, we are calling on the Government of Canada to terminate the TCA and ensure bilateral negations can begin again, where our barriers can be properly addressed.
The UK’s non-tariff barriers are not compliant with the World Trade Organization (WTO), who ruled against the EU Hormone Ban in December 1997, which the UK continues to apply to Canada. In addition, the UK refuses to recognize full systems approval for our meat hygiene system, which is recognized as world class. Within the continuity agreement, the chapter on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) maintains each Party’s right to take the SPS measures necessary to protect against risks to food safety, animal or plant life or health, while requirement that such measures be science-based, transparent, and applied only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or plant life, so as not to create unnecessary and unjustifiable SPSrelated trade restrictions.
Canada and the UK also committed, through parallel exchanges of letters, to work together on issues of relevance to trade in the meat sector and for biotechnology products with a view to facilitate trade, yet there has been no progress made on addressing any of the meat issues and ensuring meaningful trade access. Following the Prime Ministers’ announcement to set up a technical working group to address market access issues, there has been no indication of progress. CCA continues to offer support to the Government
of Canada to reach the best trade deals possible for Canadian beef producers and all Canadians. The pathway for economic growth and trade diversification is through meaningful, rules-based trade. Particularly with the UK, this means terminating the Continuity Agreement and restarting bilateral trade negotiations.
• Canadian beef exports into UK: There have been no Canadian beef exports to the United Kingdom in 2024 or to date in 2025.
• UK imports into Canada, include a percentage over the last few years: The value of UK beef imports into Canada rose from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024, a 156% year-over-year increase. From January to August 2025, imports totalled $32.2 million, up 19% from the same period in 2024.
QUICK FACTS:
CFIA REPORT
CARD: ASSESSING REGULATORY
BURDEN
AND SERVICE DELIVERY FOR SMES
This is not breaking news: agriculture is one of the most heavily regulated industries. For small agri-businesses, navigating Canada’s complex regulatory landscape and excessive government regulations can be a real nightmare.
One government agency that stands out as being particularly burdensome for agri-businesses is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In a recent report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) shared that the CFIA regulatory approach is burdensome and that its customer service is not meeting their needs.
Agri-businesses understand the importance of protecting public health and ensuring the safety and integrity of Canada’s food system. They believe it helps uphold consumer trust and safeguard the reputation of Canadian food products at home and abroad. However, to comply effectively, small agri-businesses need clear and consistent regulations and information, along with accessible support services to help them navigate the requirements.
For decades, agri-businesses have urged governments to prioritize reducing red tape, with the CFIA’s being a key pain point for the industry. Nonetheless, efforts to reduce red tape have remained scarce, or very targeted.
Which may be why 58% reported an increase in the regulatory burden associated with the CFIA over the past five years.
Quebec and the West feel the biggest increase in CFIA regulatory burden
They expressed frustration with the extensive paperwork required to ensure compliance, from completing numerous forms to submitting detailed product information. This process demands significant time and resources, especially for small businesses with limited capacity, and often necessitates assistance from consultants or lawyers.
Furthermore, rules and requirements are constantly changing. As a result, businesses must diligently monitor changes, interpret them, and adapt their operations accordingly. Moreover, the regulations are often difficult to understand and poorly suited to the realities of small businesses.
Faced with overly complicated regulations, SMEs often rely on CFIA’s online tools to maintain compliance. However, these resources can be dense, confusing, and filled with technical language, often forcing businesses to dedicate extra time and energy to fully understand CFIA requirements.
Treatment by agents (willingness to provide interpretations, attitude)
Knowledge of agents
Promptness of response
Accessibility of agents (e.g. helpline, online contact form)
Good Fair Poor Don't know/unsure Not applicable
As a result, direct interaction with CFIA staff is often necessary for resolving more complex questions. But it has become increasingly difficult for business owners to access CFIA agents, describing phone wait times as “atrocious” and “absurd”. Once they’ve been able to get a hold of a CFIA agent, only about a third of SMEs were satisfied with the treatment, knowledge and, promptness of response of agents.
In addition to poor customer service, SMEs have cited a lack of transparency and explanations around CFIA inspectors’ decisions as a key concern. This is a concerning trend given that inspectors represent the primary point of contact between SMEs and the CFIA (67%) and should be expected to help SMEs understand outcomes of inspections.
All these elements clearly suggest an urgent need for the CFIA to improve its customer service. The agency should hold more ambitious service standards and be transparent in disclosing its performance. Furthermore, the CFIA should clearly explain outcomes of inspections and adopt an education over enforcement approach.
In today’s highly competitive environment, it is more important than ever for governments to foster a business climate that supports growth and competitiveness. Yet, nearly three in five (59%) small business owners believe they are not adequately considered when designing regulations. It is therefore essential that all levels of government and all departments, including the CFIA, better align their processes with the practical realities of SMEs. To signal a serious commitment to reduce the overall regulatory burden, governments should introduce a 'two-for-one' rule, where for every new regulation introduced, two existing ones should be eliminated.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
(CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members (5,200 agri-business members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca. .
https://www.yesgroup.ca
201 Don Park Road Unit 1, Markham, Ontario, L3R 1C2 Phone: 905-470-1135 1-800-465-3536 Fax: 905-470-8417
Website: www.yesgroup.ca email: sales@yesgroup.ca
Remco and The Yes Group Protecting
your Customers
Remco products are colour-coded to help divide the production cycle into different zones. By identifying these zones as different cleaning areas, the movement of bacteria around the production area can be blocked.
Our products were developed with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in mind.
No matter what colour-coding plan is implemented, Remco Products from The Yes Group provides significant added value at no additional cost. From scoops to squeegees, from brushes to shovels, we have the products and the colours to enhance any professional quality assurance program.
