ABP calls for halt to proposed traceability regulatory changes

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is recommending that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) halt the finalization of the upcoming federal traceability regulation changes to allow for additional, meaningful consultation with producers.

While public consultation occurred in 2023, ABP believes further review is necessary to ensure traceability 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. ABP supports a strong and reliable traceability system and recognizes its importance in managing animal health risks such as bovine tuberculosis (bTB), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and foreign animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The loss of export markets during past disease events has demonstrated the significant consequences for Canada’s beef industry.

A traceability system ultimately depends on producer participation and confidence. 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.

ABP is calling on governments and beef industry partners to work together to ensure the traceability framework fully meets producer and animal health needs, strengthening on-farm adoption and the long-term resilience of Canada’s beef industry.