The Alberta Beef Producers are seeking for more consultation with the government before proposed changes are made this year by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to federal traceability regulations.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The Alberta Beef Producers, an advocacy group for provincial ranchers, is asking the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to halt upcoming traceability regulations for further consultation.
The ABP says it supports a “strong and reliable” traceability system, used to detect animal health risks including bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as ‘mad cow disease,’ and foot-and-mouth diseases.
However, the advocacy group, representing more than 18,000 Alberta producers, is calling on the provincial and federal government to include beef industry partners in the creation of a traceability framework that fully meets producer and animal health needs.
“Advancing regulatory changes without broad producer buy-in risks creating a system that does not function as intended and does little to protect producers, animal health, or market access during a disease event,” reads a media statement from ABP released Friday.
According to the group of producers, public consultation which occurred in 2023 was not enough, and further review is sought to ensure the new traceability regulation can be effectively and consistently implemented at the farm and ranch level.
“For traceability to be effective, it must be practical, workable and not unreasonably burdensome for producers,” reads the statement.
Late Friday afternoon Alberta Ag Minister RJ Sigurdson responded to the proposed amendments and the ABP’s ask for more consultation between government and industry.
“It is imperative that CFIA engage directly with industry before changes are made to ensure any regulatory updates avoid unintended consequences and do not negatively impact the livestock industry,” said Sigurdson, who says he has been in direct contact with his federal counterpart Heath MacDonald to share Alberta’s concerns before moving forward with proposed amendments.
“Traceability is essential in ensuring Alberta continues as a strong player in international markets, which is especially important right now,” adds Sigurdson. “CFIA needs to ensure that any additional requirements strengthen traceability in a way that benefits animal health and public confidence, but most importantly, supports competitiveness and sustainability for farmers and ranchers.”
Changes proposed for this year include regulatory updates which may require producers to obtain a premises identification number from provincial governments that will be a requirement for purchasing tags, reporting information related to identification of cattle and their movement and reporting the arrival of cattle.
A one-year window is anticipated if any new regulations come into force in 2026 to give producers time to prepare for adjustments.
