Canadian beef producers urged to step up exports to emerging markets

CALGARY – An economist says Canadian beef producers should increase exports to emerging markets if they want to grow their businesses.

Aaron Goertzen (gurt-zen) of BMO Capital Markets says rising feed costs and flat demand in traditional markets such as the U.S. are biting into profits.

He says there is more potential sizzle in developing countries such as Brazil, India and China where beef consumption, populations and economic growth are on the rise.

For example, he says total domestic consumption of beef and veal in India was more than two million tonnes last year – up 73 per cent since 2000.

Goertzen says if countries such as Australia and New Zealand can bolster their beef exports, Canada can as well.

He made these points to the International Livestock Congress in Calgary, where the theme this year is “What’s Next?”