August 8, 2009

Canada pork industry pushes ahead on swine traceability system

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has selected two partners to implement a national traceability programme for the Canadian pork sector.

The objectives of the programme is to contribute to the competitiveness of the industry, improve access to domestic and international markets, strengthen the integrity of the value chain, and introduce innovation throughout all aspects of the production cycle.

CPC has selected Agri-Tracabilite International (ATI) as its partner who will provide leadership on traceability solution implementation, system configuration, and system hosting and customer support services. In addition Allflex Inc. has been chosen to be the manufacturer of Canada's nationally standardised identification ear tag for swine, primarily used for breeding animals.

The partnerships will allow the industry to provide information on Canadian swine premises and trace live hog movements.

In late June, the Canadian Pork Council released its Strategic Transition Plan, which is a comprehensive plan to guide the sector through the next five years. It includes several strategic initiatives, such as an identification and traceability system, that will contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the industry.

Once the transition plan is implemented, a leaner, greener and more innovative industry will emerge - one that is prepared to capitalise on domestic and international opportunities, said CPC's President Jurgen Preugschas.