Achievements

The AWMDA has struggled with the loss of membership, and producer interest and involvement has waned severely. However, the Board is determined to rebuild the industry and a recovery plan has been set in motion.

Our recent achievements include:

Lobbied successfully for the implementation Livestock Industry Diversification Act (LIDA) changes which increased access to markets
Complete the Whole Animal Utilization Report - which outlined specific paths for the development of a meat and co-product industry
Lobbied successfully for the implementation of a North American Import Protocol to demonstrate Alberta is open for business
Lobbied successfully for an Import Protocol to Saskatchewan for Live Animals
Lobbied successfully for the removal of deer from the USDA ruminant ban
Increased our exposure and impact within government
Increased networking with other livestock industries for support, information sharing, and cooperation (sheep, goat, alpaca, horse, turkey, cattle, chicken, elk, bison, reindeer etc)
Completed a 5 year business plan and strategy plan
Lobbied in favour of producers for increased compensation due to reportable diseases and also inclusion of a harvest or trophy buck category
The AWMDA has secured close to $180,000 in funding, for projects to move the industry forward. (However this will not cover labour)
Lobbied successfully for the acceptance and validation of Bio-Rad testing for CWD.
Lobbied successfully for the acceptance of the new Bio-Rad test by USDA
Have networked with several of the provinces and states in an effort to standardize trade.
Have networked with researchers, pathologists, epidemiologists and lobbied successfully for their support
Have linked with NADEFA to state we share common goals
Were included in the commenting of the OIE International Transport Guidelines
Were part of the working group for the Alberta Animal Health Act
Finalized a venison analysis for use by the industry
Completed a informational video for the public on deer and elk farming
Worked with government to complete the new Cervid Manual which outlines the terms within LIDA
LIDA Act
Inclusion into the LICA Act and Regulations - Livestock Identification and Commerce Act
Continue to lobby for complete removal from the Wildlife Act
Lobbying for changes to the Alberta Meat Inspection Act.
Working with CFIA on brucellosis testing and TB testing regimes and time periods
Creation of video libraries for use by the producers
Completion of an On-Farm Food Safety Program for venison producers

We are currently working on:

Participating actively with the Canadian Cervid Alliance to increase trade, recognition of our markets and has lobbied in producers favour in regards to testing and movement protocols.
Keeping abreast of the new science in regards to CWD and lobbying for changes to surveillance and monitoring programs.

L E A R N M O R E

Find out more about the Alberta Whitetail & Mule Deer Association by selecting a link below:

Alberta Whitetail & Mule Deer Association
Box 591
Eckville, AB CANADA
T0M 0X0

Ph: 403-748-4040
Email: [email protected]