The Industry-Government Advisory Council (IGAC) is a forum in which both national industry groups and FPT governments would openly discuss and develop recommendations on how to proceed with creation of a National Agri-food Traceability System (NAFTS).
The role of IGAC and its working groups is to provide recommendations to the FPT Ministers of Agriculture on the implementation of a national system for agri-food traceability. The initial focus of discussions has been on livestock, although it is recognized that other agri-food sectors will be impacted by and possibly participate in the development of any national system.
Following the first formal meeting in Winnipeg in August 2006, there was intensive consultation during September and October, which ended with a series of recommendations in November and a final report in December 2006. In addition numerous suggested follow-up activities, IGAC agreed:
On the vision, objectives and principles for a National Livestock Traceability System based on FPT Ministers direction and an industry/government partnership;
The initial focus would be on four sectors: cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry;
That industry and all levels of governments have a need to access traceability information for emergency management purposes;
To work together in engaging a broader stakeholder community;
To national traceability standards and performance objectives
Much more was discussed and agreed upon, and in particular the Provincial governments agreed to work to put the infrastructure in place for multi-species premises identification by December 2007
In addition to the clear action steps that have resulted from the IGAC process, the effort has also created an enhanced industry-government partnership. This foundation should serve all stakeholders well as industry and governments work together to collectively identify solutions that meet stakeholders needs.
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