The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) announced its official stance on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's proposed changes to the identifications and traceability regulations.
In a statement, the CCA said it does not support proceeding with the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations, based on extensive engagement with producers and input from provincial beef organizations.
However, the group noted it supports livestock traceability in general as a "core pillar of disease preparedness, market access and confidence in Canadian beef."
"What I can say is we've definitely heard from producers and their concerns and develop policy recognizing those concerns to communicate to government on our stance of the regulations as proposed," said Andrea Brocklebank, CEO of the CCA. "And I think with that, it's important for us to, we've really recognized the need to work with the provinces on this and also ensure that we have greater clarification. There's been a lot of misinformation and or misinterpretation, so moving forward...we're also striking a task force to better navigate this as we entertain conversations with producers and the government."
The CCA says the Task Force will work on producers' behalf to create a "risk-based, industry-led approach to disease preparedness and emergency management."
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