Future of grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Ontario Corn Fed Beef new export opportunity
Ontario Corn Fed Beef (OCFB), a premium beef brand owned and operated by Ontario beef farmers, is expanding into international markets with strategic partners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is poised for potential growth valued at close to one million dollars, or 75MT. Currently, Ontario represents over 75% of the total volume of Canadian beef exports to the UAE.
In August, a delegation of guests, including world-renowned chefs and distribution partners from the UAE, gained a deeper understanding of what the OCFB brand means. The tour showcased the various protocols, processes, and care that go into bringing a consistently great tasting beef to market.
“We’ve already seen incredible growth in our home province, and the partnerships we’ve made around the world, including the UAE, mean we are increasing value for our domestic partners and our farmers, helping our local economy,” said John Baker of Ontario Corn Fed Beef.
Over the past year, the Ontario Cattle Feeders Association (OCFA) has made a significant investment in developing the export market of the United Arab Emirates. As part of this export strategy, in February 2015 Canada Corn Fed Beef, as the brand is known internationally, was introduced in Dubai at the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show, Gulfood.
The import market in the UAE provides a tremendous opportunity for growth for the Ontario/Canada Corn Fed Beef brand. The UAE imports approximately $50 million of chilled boneless beef annually. The increasing demand for high quality grain fed beef produced under Halal regulations provides the Ontario industry, who are all certified to produce Halal products, a significant advantage over domestic and international competitors.
Further, as the UAE is a key influencer market for establishing brand recognition into the greater Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) market, OCFB is positioned well for future long term growth in this growing market. Euromonitor International projects the GCC will see their consumers spend U.S. $106 billion on food in the next five years. •
Who are you following?
Farmers are using Twitter to stay connected and up to date with industry news. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight Twitter accounts we think you should consider following or hashtags (#) that will help you join specific conversations.
@RobertWager1
Robert Wager is a faculty member at Vancouver Island University in the Biology Department with a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is an independent expert in the biotechnology industry, has been involved in GMO research with an emphasis on public education for 13 years, and has published many works, both scientific and for the public.
#harvest15
Use #harvest15 for all things harvest related. Whether it’s connecting with other farmers to discuss yields, discovering challenges others are facing, or just staying up-to-date during long hours in the combine, it’s a great hashtag to use and follow during harvest season. •
The Digital Toolbox
The smartphone, tablet and computer are important tools on today’s farms. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight an app, online tool, or website that may help you in the field or in the farm office.
www.agricorp.com
Agricorp has launched a number of online options to make it easier to do business with them.
Fall-seeded acreage reports are due November 8 for Production Insurance. A new shortcut gives producers direct access to online reporting. Go to www.agricorp.com/acreage, and have your Agricorp ID ready to start reporting.
Direct deposit is now available for program payments. To enrol, producers registered for online services can go to www.agricorp.com/maketheswitch. Producers not registered for online services, can call Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999.
Producers can also receive automated program date reminders, confirmations of program information submitted online, notice of program documents available to view online, and important program news through email notification. •
