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More money earmarked for livestock tracing

CALGARY — Canadian cattle producers will get a leg up on international markets if a system that allows the electronic tracking of livestock across the country is successful.

CALGARY — Canadian cattle producers will get a leg up on international markets if a system that allows the electronic tracking of livestock across the country is successful.

The livestock traceability system has been tested in auction marts using multiple radio frequency identification systems attached to eartags that can trace the movement of livestock from coast-to-coast.

Now it’s moving to the next level.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz told a news conference in Calgary on Friday that an additional $1.6 million will be given to the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency to finance further study on the system which he says is necessary to keep Canadian producers competitive.

“Traceability is the winning ticket to opening doors and wallets on the world stage. Consumers want to know where their food was raised, and countries that can supply that information will have an important edge to win that business,” said Ritz.

“Looking at the unfortunate situation that has befallen Korea with hoof and mouth disease we recognize that an effective traceability system is invaluable.”