The Value of Check-Off
The check-off dollars collected from producers on the sale of cattle in Alberta are used, on behalf of producers, to further the objectives of the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Plan Regulation. The overarching role of ABP, as a marketing commission, is to initiate and carry out projects or programs to commence, stimulate, increase, or improve the production and marketing of cattle and cattle products.
How Check-Off is Directed
To carry out its objective and leverage check-off dollars, ABP has entered into an agreement with the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency (the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency) to support national research, marketing and promotion.
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency was established to collect a levy on cattle sold in interprovincial trade and they collect a levy on imported cattle and cattle products
ABP collects a $2.00 Alberta Service Charge and a $2.50 non-refundable National Levy.
Alberta Service Charge
The $2.00 Alberta Service Charge is retained by ABP.
- ABP business is conducted under the direction of the ABP Board of Directors, Councils, Committees, and working groups depending upon specific needs and/or issues of the day.
- Expenses relate to ABP’s mandate including policy, communications, marketing and education, research, production, stewardship, animal health and welfare.
- ABP continues to work for market access, to provide leadership on research initiatives and environmental policy, promote the Alberta beef industry image, with the overall goal of ensuring the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of our industry for the benefit of the beef producers in Alberta.
- Through a three-year agreement, $0.53 from retained earnings of (i.e. those not refunded) is forwarded to the Canadian Cattle Association.
- ABP creates one strong united voice advocating for Alberta beef producers.
- As the largest beef producing region in Canada, Alberta needs to continue with a leadership role in the future direction of the National beef industry.
- Alberta producers have the most at stake in the prosperity of the industry and should be actively involved in developing the strategies to ensure future success.
National Levy
The $2.50 non-refundable National Levy is forwarded to the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency and is allocated to Canada Beef, Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), and to Public and Stakeholder Engagement.
- Canada Beef’s mission is to enhance and sustain the profitability of Canadian beef producers through excellence in product
promotion, positioning, and the facilitation of domestic and international marketing initiatives. CB works with
industry and governments to develop new and to expand existing markets. - BCRC’s purpose is to sponsor research and technology development for the benefit of all Canadian beef
producers. - Public and Stakeholder Engagement strive to enhance industry synergies and have a unified voice on industry
topics
Read about the benefit cost ratio of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.
Service Charge Refunds
The Alberta Service Charge is payable by producers who sell cattle and by producers who feed and slaughter their own cattle. Any service charge paid by, or on behalf of, a producer is refundable to that producer on request of that producer. A producer may request a refund of all, or a portion of, the service charge paid.
- The refund is only available to Alberta residents selling or feeding and slaughtering cattle in Alberta.When non-Alberta residents sell cattle in Alberta the purchaser or livestock dealer is deducting and remitting the Canadian Beef Cattle Checkoff (national checkoff) and not the ABP Service Charge.
- The national checkoff is collected by ABP on behalf of the Canadian Beef Checkoff Agency (the Agency) and is paid to the Agency for national beef cattle research, marketing and promotion. The Agency pays a portion of the national checkoff to the provincial cattle association in the province where the seller resides.
- When an Alberta resident sells cattle in another province, the provincial cattle association in that province is, in turn, collecting the national checkoff from the Alberta producer.
- The national checkoff is non-refundable.
Checkoff Remittances
The ABP National Levy and Service Charge, and the National Agency’s Federal Levy are collected by ABP. All funds are used either by ABP to promote and develop the cattle industry in Alberta, or by the National Agency for national beef cattle marketing, promotion and research. If you have any questions regarding the ABP Service Charge or the Federal Levy, please contact the ABP office at (403) 275-4400.
