The new head of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency will continue to focus the province’s funding agency on increasing market access for the province’s livestock sector.
Gordon Gove, the new president and chief executive officer of ALMA, said the agency has identified four priorities but increasing market access is key, especially for the beef industry.
“These industries will not survive without exporting,” said Cove, who was appointed in September. He replaces acting head Ken Moholitny, who was appointed in March when Jeff Kucharski resigned after eight months on the job.
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Cove has been with ALMA since its initial planning stages, working on the agency’s strategy to improve Alberta’s livestock industry, but was only recently appointed president.
The four priorities set for ALMA are market access, demand, competitiveness and information flow.
Cove said one of the strengths he brings to the job is his ability to bridge the gap between the public and private sector.
“I know these people, I think I can bring both sides together.”
Cove said ALMA’s board of directors has international trade experience that will boost the livestock industry.
Helping producers get a better understanding of ALMA, its role and how it can help producers is also a priority.
“ALMA is not the big spokesman,” he said. “We’re there to be a catalyst for people who want to do something different.”
The agency recently helped fund 30 projects worth more than $3 million to help boost the industry and make it sustainable and competitive.
Before joining ALMA, Cove was the head of livestock products for Alberta Agriculture. He also spent 21 years as general manager of Fletcher’s Fine Foods, now Olymel, in Red Deer.
