Alberta Beef Producers releases final report from the Traceability Working Group

Alberta Beef Producers’ (ABP) Board of Directors is sharing the final report of the Working Group on Traceability, including recommendations to support adoption of current requirements and voluntary, industry-driven improvements to cattle movement records. 

The Working Group on Traceability, developed out of ABP producer resolutions, presented its final report to ABP’s Board during its September meeting.  

The report, prepared by the Ag Advisory Council, provides information on the Working Group’s background, findings, and recommendations to industry.  

 The central conclusion of the report states “Alberta should lead a phased, industry-driven enhancement of cattle movement traceability that builds on manifests and Livestock Identification Services (LIS), connects with the national CCIA/CLTS framework, and proves disease-response value and producer workability before broader implementation is considered.” 

According to the Working Group, advancing an Alberta-led program will improve industry adoption of existing requirements while strengthening movement data needed for effective traceability in the event of an emergency.  

“Effective traceability,” reads the report, “functions not simply as a disease-control mechanism, but as market-access and industry economic risk infrastructure.” 

Participants’ primary incentives for supporting a timely, accurate traceability system, ranged from minimizing costs and reducing outbreak risk to maintaining export access and consumer confidence. 

“The Board of Directors appreciates the time and energy participants in the Working Group invested in this process over the busy summer months,” said Doug Roxburgh, ABP Chair. “The Board has directed that this conversation will be brought to ABP Producer Meetings to provide the opportunity for a broader discussion.” 

Participants in the Working Group included a cross-section of producers, auction markets, feedlots, veterinarians, industry organizations, the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 

Alberta cattle producers are encouraged to review the report and attend ABP’s Producer Meetings this fall, where the Working Group’s findings and recommendations will be presented and discussed. Producers with questions or perspectives on traceability and other industry priorities may also consider connecting with one of their zone delegates or representatives from industry organizations, including the Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Livestock Identification Services (LIS), and the Western Stock Growers’ Association. 

About Alberta Beef Producers 

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is a not-for-profit commission representing Alberta’s cattle producers. ABP’s work spans critical areas such as research, production, communications, marketing, policy advocacy, and stewardship. Run by producers for producers, ABP is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable, competitive beef industry. 

About Working Group on Traceability 

The Working Group on Traceability was formed in response to producer resolutions around traceability policy and implementation. Comprised of a cross-section of industry participants, including producers and other sector representatives, the group was tasked with examining traceability and providing recommendations to ABP’s Board of Directors.