Canadian Sheep Industry Takes the Lead on National Sheep Traceability

Williamsburg, Ontario — Canada’s sheep industry is taking a major step toward greater stewardship of its national traceability system. The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have reached an agreement that will see CSF become the Responsible Administrator for Canada’s national sheep identification and traceability program. For sheep producers, this means the industry will have a more direct role in guiding the system it relies on, with CSF providing the national leadership, administration and support needed to deliver it.

“This announcement caps 20 years of progress in traceability for the Canadian sheep industry. Now the work of making traceability deliver for Canadian lamb producers can begin. This agreement reflects confidence in our industry’s ability to lead and support that system, and we take that responsibility seriously” — Fred Baker, Chair, Canadian Sheep Federation

A 90-DAY TRANSITION

The agreement will come into effect following a 90-day transition period. During that time, CSF will work with CFIA, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and other industry partners to move responsibilities from the current Responsible Administrator to CSF while maintaining continuity for producers and other users of the traceability system. As part of the transition, the Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) will begin operating under the name SheepTrace. The new name is a modernization that better reflects the program’s existing role in animal identification and traceability, including its support for animal health and disease response.

The move to SheepTrace does not change or create new regulatory requirements for producers. CSF will also establish a SheepTrace Advisory Committee, providing a formal way for the industry to help guide the program. The Committee will include representation from every province, including producers and other industry stakeholders as appropriate.