Annual Report | Stewardship and VBP+

ABP staff continues to engage on multiple key stewardship issues, like wetland and water body health, emerging carbon and ecological goods and services markets, and wildlife coexistence. By engaging and participating on committees like the North American Waterfowl Management Plan – Alberta group; Alberta Government’s Nature Strategy; and the Minister’s Special License Auction Fund Committee, we are staying connected to issues, while ensuring Alberta’s beef producers voices are heard.

Coexistence with Wildlife

In the past year we’ve prioritized developing solutions for coexistence with wildlife, particularly large carnivores and ungulates. The primary objectives of the predator-focused work are to develop an enhanced predator compensation model and to test and promote best management practices (BMPs) that reduce predator conflicts. The ungulate project is also aimed at addressing conflict by providing conflict mitigation assistance, and financial compensation. Both projects seek to strengthen relationships and understanding between government, wildlife stakeholders, and landowners.

The need for wildlife coexistence work is driven by several factors, including increases in predator incidents, economic losses, and mental health impacts on livestock producers. Current compensation for wildlife related losses does not reflect their full economic impact. To understand all the factors impacting these issues, we have outlined research priorities to support our efforts.

Key activities outlined in the predator and ungulate projects include the implementation and evaluation of Best Management Practices to reduce predator and ungulate conflict, and the use of deterrents. To assist in improving the Predator Compensation Program and ungulate-related claims, the projects propose increased reporting on costs, timelines, and trends related to claims. The projects also propose modernized verification. We are also focusing on educating landowners and the general public on strategies to reduce conflicts.

The expected outcomes of this project are promising. We foresee a reduction in predation incidents and ungulate-related damage to feed and fences. Additionally, we expect greater landowner participation in conflict mitigation efforts and improved producer satisfaction with the compensation process.

For beef producers, this project offers significant benefits including improved communication and understanding with wildlife officials, which will lead to more efficient conflict resolution. Overall, this project aims to create a sustainable and practical approach to managing predator conflicts.

To facilitate the uptake of the wildlife projects, ABP hosted a Wildlife and Agriculture Co-existence Roundtable in 2024, which brought together key stakeholders, to map out a path forward.

Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)

Alberta Beef Producers is proud to be Alberta’s delivery agent for VBP+ National.

The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program in Alberta is an initiative that supports beef producers by addressing industry and farm-level risks associated with biosecurity, animal care, and food safety. Leveraging the latest science and industry expertise, the national VBP+ program sets the standard, while ABP ensures that ranchers and farmers across the province can access resources to manage their risk, and support Alberta’s beef industry.

The VBP+ Standard: Built by Producers, for Producers

The VBP+ program is centered around the VBP+ Standard, developed by producers using industry-recognized standards, codes, and scientifically based best management practices. This standard equips producers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best practices on their farms.

Value of VBP+ Training

VBP+ Training enhances awareness of responsible beef production and provides continuing education. Producers who engage in this training benefit from best management practices on their operations and demonstrate to the public and stakeholders the Alberta beef industry’s commitment to food safety, quality, and sustainable practices.

Strategic Investment in Training and Certification

With funding from the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Program, Alberta Beef Producers is enhancing VBP+ in-person training, support, and awareness. Thanks to this funding, VBP+ Alberta representatives are traveling to cattle shows, agriculture tradeshows, and beef industry events to provide producers with in-person VBP+ training and support.

VBP+ Producer Incentive Program

In addition to improved training initiatives, ABP launched the VBP+ Incentive program, running from April 1, 2023, to February 1, 2028. This program incentivizes Alberta beef operations to participate in the VBP+ program. Producers can receive up to $5,000 based on a 50:50 cost share of approved activities, including audit fees, livestock handling equipment related to treatments, deadstock compost site creation, tilt tables, and more.

Building on past Canadian Agriculture Program and Growing Forward biosecurity-related programs, this initiative provides rebates to producers and utilizes the VBP+ database to confirm certification and training. The maximum funding amount per operation is $5,000, with operations managed by trained producers eligible for up to $2,500.