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
We are currently working on:
  • LIDA Act
  • Inclusion into the LICA Act and Regulations - Livestock Identification and Commerce Act
  • Continue to lobby for complete removal from the Wildlife Act
  • 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.
  • Lobbying for changes to the Alberta Meat Inspection Act.
  • Working with CFIA on brucellosis testing and TB testing regimes and time periods
  • Keeping abreast of the new science in regards to CWD and lobbying for changes to surveillance and monitoring programs.
  • Creation of video libraries for use by the producers
  • Completion of an On-Farm Food Safety Program for venison producers