Taking a closer look at traceability is the goal of a new working group formed by Alberta Beef Producers.
The proposed traceability changes by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are reported to provide the beef industry with safeguards such as strengthening disease preparedness, protecting market access, and maintaining consumer confidence. However, producers have concerns about how realistic the changes are.
ABP Vice Chair Kent Holowath says their traceability working group will be a high priority for them. Holowath says “its role will be to guide ABP in guiding alongside government and other cattle organizations to get traceability right. Our board believes strongly we need to address deficiencies and producer confidence in the current model before further changes can be considered.”
ABP officials note these proposed changes could create significant challenges for beef producers, they cannot support them in their current form, and traceability was a hot topic at their annual general meeting earlier this month.
With files from Kass Patterson, Vista Radio.
