Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture) said: "The Harper Government recognises the importance of a national livestock traceability system and the expertise developed by Agri-Traçabilité Québec in this area.

"Canadian producers will be able to benefit from this type of innovative project, in particular through the automation of data validation and access to new markets."

This financing will support the automation of the AgriTrace system and the adaptation and integration of new system validation applications in order to achieve joint traceability of animals, either individually or by lot.

This will be beneficial in the event of an animal health emergency. Since 2001, Agri-Traçabilité Québec’s mission has been to develop, implement and operate a system of permanent identification and traceability for agricultural and agri-food products.

"The Government of Canada is demonstrating solid leadership by investing in the Quebec traceability system, which already has a proven track record and is producing considerable benefits, both for producers and for consumers," said Richard Maheu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Agri-Traçabilité Québec.

This investment is being made under Growing Forward through the Canadian Integrated Food Safety Initiative (CIFSI) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Through the Canadian Industry Traceability Infrastructure Component of CIFSI, the Government of Canada supports national organisations in the development and implementation of traceability processes and systems, an important factor in our food safety system.