Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Three national beef industry groups have established a task force to examine opportunities and barriers related to beef cattle traceability in Canada.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA), and the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) have announced that the Traceability Task Force has been formed, and work is getting underway immediately.
The task force will focus on traceability to support disease and emergency preparedness and response for beef cattle. According to its mandate, the task force will first define the outcomes a traceability system must meet to protect industry and serve producers. It will then develop recommendations for a traceability framework designed to meet those outcomes.
As part of its work, the group will consider whether traceability objectives are best achieved through regulatory requirements, an industry-led approach, or a combination of both.
The organizations say the task force’s ultimate objective is to recommend an industry policy position on traceability. The recommendation is expected to include a plan for industry and government, outlining the purpose, scope and success factors of a traceability system, as well as an industry-led implementation roadmap.
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The task force consists of 14 members jointly appointed by the three organizations. Members are actively involved in the Canadian beef sector and collectively represent the supply chain, including cow-calf and seedstock producers, backgrounders and feedlots.
The members are Matthew Atkinson of Manitoba, Matt Bowman of Ontario, Aden Culberson of New Brunswick, Brianna Elliot of Alberta, Keith Gregory of Alberta, Bree Kelln of Saskatchewan, Alex Kulchar of British Columbia, Chad Meunier of Alberta, Ken Schaus of Ontario, David Sibbald of Alberta, Jeff Smith of Alberta, Ryan Thompson of Saskatchewan, Jon Vaags of Manitoba and Jeff Yorga of Saskatchewan
The organizations said members will serve in an independent capacity and not as representatives of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.
“The Traceability Task Force has been established to meet the needs of Canada’s beef industry on the specific topic of traceability,” says Tyler Fulton, CCA President. “We are confident that through representation from across the country and across the beef supply chain, the task force will bring forward a producer-led traceability solution that producers will embrace for its practicality and feasibility.”
Brad Deleeuw, chair of the National Cattle Feeders’ Association, said strengthening traceability throughout Canada’s beef supply chain is important for supporting rapid response during disease outbreaks or emergencies while maintaining market access and confidence in Canadian beef.
“Through the Traceability Task Force, we have an opportunity to develop producer-led recommendations that are practical and cost-effective, while ensuring any improvements are beneficial for the entire beef sector,” Deleeuw said.
The three organizations said updates will be provided as the task force reaches milestones throughout the process.
