The Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader Program

The CRFID Reader Program is an investment of $1.8 million which will facilitate the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader reimbursement program aimed at eligible cattle facility operators.

The Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader Program managed under the Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program will improve the tracking and tracing of cattle beyond the farm gate using Radio frequency identification (RFID) reader technology. This initiative is an important component of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) tracing and tracking strategy.

The overall goal of the CRFID Reader Program is to ensure that the cattle industry has the necessary equipment to fully participate in the comprehensive tracking and tracing system in support of traceability initiatives.

RFID readers will provide a more effective method of receiving information stored on the RFID tag. RFID readers will enable facility operators to receive and then upload RFID tag information to computer-based equipment. Facility Operators can than upload the information directly to the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency's (CCIA) or Agri-Traçabilité Québec's (ATQ) databases.

CRFID Reader Program

The program commenced 1 April 2005 and all applications must be post marked on or before 31 December 2007.

The CRFID Reader Program is a reimbursement program. Eligible applicants purchase an eligible RFID reader and then apply for reimbursement for the costs of RFID reader(s), and costs related with reader installation and the associated hardware and software such as traceability data sorting software and traceability data sorting terminals. Reimbursement is up to 50% of the total actual costs of the reader less the refundable portion of GST or HST up to a maximum of $1,000 for each hand-held RFID reader and up to a maximum of $3,000 for each panel RFID reader. With acceptable documentation, as noted in the Eligibility Criteria, all eligible applicants can apply for more than one reader.

A detailed explanation of costs must be provided to determine the eligibility of items claimed.

Eligible applicants include:

1. Slaughter and processing plants
2. Sales barns/Stockyards and /or Auction Markets
3. Veterinarians
4. Veterinarian Schools and Universities
5. Pathology Labs (Private)
6. Mobile Butchers
7. Dead Stock Operators
8. Commercial Livestock Truckers*
9. Commercial Feedlots*
10. Grazing Co-operatives/Community Pastures*

* Commercial Livestock truckers, Commercial Feedlots, Grazing Co-operatives and Community Pastures are only eligible for readers purchased after 24 March 2006.

Mandatory requirements apply to the type and number of RFID readers that are eligible under the CRFID reader program. RFID Readers must be compatible with the software requirements as stated by CCIA protocol and/or ATQ's protocol by stakeholder group, in capturing and disseminating data.

Additional information on program requirements, applicant eligibility, mandatory RFID reader requirements, and details on the application process can be found by clicking on the link
"How to Apply".

All applications must be post marked on or before December 31, 2007. Applications will not be approved for purchases made prior to the commencement of the CFRID Reader Program.

Contact Information:

To obtain additional information about the Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader program, contact us at:

Telephone: 1 800 667-8567