NCFA Welcomes National Traceability Program

    CALGARY, July 10 /CNW/ - The National Cattle Feeders' Association (NCFA)
is pleased with the governments' commitment to a comprehensive national
traceability system for livestock and poultry. The aim is to have a system in
place by 2011 supported by national funding and regulatory framework.
    "We are very encouraged by this announcement as it will move our industry
forward and better prepare us to access and develop international markets for
Canadian beef," said NCFA vice-chair Bill Jameson in response to the
communiqué issued today by federal-provincial-territorial Ministers of
Agriculture. Jameson went on to say that the $20 million commitment from the
federal government is a good investment that will enhance the livestock
handling systems across Canada.
    Food safety and traceability are becoming increasingly important to
Canadians and consumers in foreign markets. Jameson notes that "we produce
high quality safe beef in Canada and we want to build on that reputation to
give our customers the utmost confidence in buying our product. A good
traceability system will help us compete for greater market share in offshore
markets." He said that the NCFA looks forward to working with the government
on the development of the traceability system.

    The NCFA is a commerce and trade organization focused on the issues that
impact on the economic interests of cattle feeders across Canada.

For further information: Bill Jameson, Vice Chairman, [phone],
[phone] (cell); Visit www.nationalcattlefeeders.ca