Cattle farmers say no to Digital ID for cows
If implemented, the changes would create a de facto digital ID system for agriculture, where producers must constantly report activities to regulators.
Author: Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
Canada’s cattle industry is pushing back against new federal livestock tracking rules, warning they could pave the way for an expansive digital identification system with serious consequences for farmers.
In a statement released on Monday, the Canadian Cattle Association said it does not support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations.
“After extensive producer engagement and input from provincial beef organizations, the Canadian Cattle Association does not support proceeding with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s currently proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability),” a statement by the group reads.
While the group reaffirmed that traceability plays an important role in disease control and maintaining export markets, it argued that the current plan goes too far and lacks sufficient industry backing.
The federal proposal, expected to be finalized in 2026, would expand cattle tracking requirements across multiple species and introduce mandatory reporting for livestock movements.
The system would rely on a three-step digital process, requiring producers, transporters and destination sites to log movements using centralized databases and premises identification numbers.
If implemented, the changes would create a de facto digital ID system for agriculture, where producers must constantly report activities to regulators.
The CCA says it will form a task force to develop an industry-led, risk-based alternative to the federal proposal.
Pilot program, first the Cattle then the sheep(people).
This totally BS. Don't comply same as the gun conviction. Let's keep our rights intact. THANK YOU