| | The Alberta government has postponed the April 1, 2007 target date for mandatory age verification of cattle. At this time, focus is on a national livestock traceability system, with participation from all provinces, territories and industry. A national traceability system will open export markets that require age certification. Government will continue to work with industry to ensure the necessary technology and infrastructure are available to implement a real-time age verification system across key points in the Canadian cattle supply chain. In Alberta, industry support for age verification is strong, significant progress has been made and premium prices are being paid for age-verified cattle. Although a new target date for mandatory age verification has not been set, industry consultation on the regulatory changes required to establish mandatory age verification is being planned for the spring of 2007. Producers can learn more about voluntary age verification by visiting www.canadaid.ca. |
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