The United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd. (UFA) supports strong, effective animal health and food safety systems. However, along with many stakeholders in the livestock sector, UFA has significant concerns with the proposed CFIA livestock traceability amendments, which risk placing unreasonable burdens on primary producers, particularly small and medium-sized operations, without adequate support, clarity, or transition planning.
Industry organizations have revealed significant concerns that the proposed traceability amendments, particularly the shortened reporting timelines and expanded movement-reporting obligations will place disproportionate administrative and technological pressure on smaller farming operations potentially putting many out of business.
These concerns reflect broader apprehension that some farmers, especially older producers or those in rural areas with limited internet connectivity, may struggle to meet more complex digital reporting expectations. Under the proposed changes, movement reporting for ruminants, including cattle, would be reduced to a seven-day window, a substantial tightening from the current 30- to 60-day requirements.
For many UFA members meeting a one-week reporting deadline is operationally unrealistic and increases the likelihood of inadvertent non-compliance. The proposal to expand mandatory movement reporting to include group movements to community pastures or grazing sites further compounds the record-keeping burden for producers already navigating complex operational logistics.
UFA commends the federal government for pausing the implementation of these proposed amendments for further industry discussion and strongly urges the reconsideration of the amendments as they currently stand. Consistent with other industry stakeholders, UFA does support the following recommendations to mitigate further damage:
- Longer reporting windows, particularly for movements during busy operational periods.
- Exemptions or reduced requirements for low-risk operations and direct-to-consumer farms.
- Clear, accessible technical support, including non-digital options for reporting.
- Meaningful, ongoing consultation with producers, especially those in remote and rural regions.
- Financial support programs to offset costs associated with compliance technology, training, and workflow transition.
