The beef check-off is $2 per head of cattle sold or slaughtered in BC. Funds are collected by auction marts, dealers, and Ownership Identification Inc (brand inspectors). The Cattle Industry Development Council (under the authority of the Farming and Fishing Industries Development Act) collects the $2 levy. The levy is refundable, however eight years ago, Cattle Industry Development Council (CIDC) with the support of BC cattle producers sought to have $1 of the check-off designated non-refundable to allow participation in the National Check-off system. Currently, $1 per head of funds collected are remitted to the National check-off.
NOTICE: $3/head Check-off Coming July 1, 2010
How is the check-off collected? The beef check-off is collected under the authority of the Farming and Fishing Industries Development Act and a Cattle Industry Development Council Regulation. This producer requested levy has been supported in BC since 1972.
Who determines spending? Check-off spending is determined by the producer Council. The Council is appointed by the Minister of Agriculture Foods & Fisheries, from nominations submitted by provincial cattle industry associations. The Minister also appoints one of his staff to serve on the Council.
How much money? Collections vary as to the size of the cattle herd and the number of cattle marketed. The CIDC fund tends to be about $600,000 per year, with matching funds triggered from the trust. $1.2 million is available on an annual basis.
Who collects the money? Ownership Identification Inc. brand inspectors collect the CIDC check-off on private treaty cattle sales within BC where a dealer is not involved. Dealers will remain responsible to collect the levy on other sales.
Who gets it? Applications for funding assistance for projects to benefit the cattle industry can be submitted at any time, and are reviewed by the Council on a quarterly basis. Contact the CIDC office for forms.
Should the check-off be refundable? The National Check-off portion is non-refundable. In British Columbia, as in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the beef check-off is refundable. Producers who do not wish to leave their check-off dollars to work for the industry can ask for it back before January 31st of the year following payment. Refunds tend to be low, and in the recent years, 97% of dollars collected in BC have remained in the fund to work for the beef industry.
Is it a government tax? No, it is dollars collected by the industry to work for the industry in research, promotion and industry development. Receipts and expenditures are administered by the Cattle Industry Development Council.
Has the Check-off worked? Yes, by working together beef cattle producers can pool beef check-off dollars and have the power to deliver strong, focused and effective programs to benefit the beef industry.
$1.00 of the CIDC check-off is designated for the National Check-off. The funds collected Canada-wide are directed towards two goals:
Increased sales of beef will be achieved through product promotion and development and expansion of new and existing markets by contribution to the Beef Information Centre and the Canada Beef Export Federation. Better and more efficient ways or producing beef and beef cattle will be developed through research. The Beef Cattle Research Council will administer the funds and will be tasked with ensuring research is well coordinated throughout the country and guided by sound industry priorities.
As of July 1,2010, the Provincial Check-off in British Columbia will be $2 per head on animals sold. These funds are available on application from provincial cattle organizations for project work that meets the requirement to benefit and promote the beef industry, or to conduct or support research or education programs for development and promotion.
This producer managed fund supports awareness, research, marketing, and promotion projects for the benefit of the B.C. beef industry. Four provincial cattle organizations have representatives elected to serve on the CIDC namely:
The application form for provincial check-off funding is available from www.cattlefund.net
