Activity Report

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1 Activity Report

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3 table of contents Origin and Mission 4 Objectives 4 Mandates 4 Provincial and Federal regulations 5 Important characteristics of the Quebec traceability system 5 Thank You to our partners 5 Chairman s Message 7 Message from the General Manager 9 administrative and Operational Department 10 Customer Service 10 Automation Team 10 information technologies Department 16 Transition from the ATQ Application to a Web platform (AGTWeb) 16 PigTrace 16 Ordering Module 16 Communications Department 18 ASRA Program Feeder Calf / Joint Committee FADQ-ATQ-FPBQ-FPAMQ 18 Training 18 New Tools and Services 18 FormCLIC 18 Pilot Projects Retention 18 Consolidated Purchasing Program Ovine Sector 19 Defective Ovine Tags 19 Infrastructure Program Canadian Traceability 19 Updating Purchase Orders 19 Internal Newsletter De Boucles à Oreilles 20 Traceability DVD 20 In 2011, ATQ is celebrating its 10 th Anniversary 20 Development Department 22 Introduction of a Unique Canadian Traceability System 22 Quebec Market 22 Canadian Market 27 International Market (ATI) 28 ATI Advisory Committee 29 External Exchanges 30 Representation in National Committees 30 Presentations 30 Hosting Visitors 30 The Agri-Traçabilité Québec Team 31 Senior Management 31 Development Department 31 Administrative and Operational Department 31 Information Technologies Department 32 Communications Department 32 Organizational Structure 33 Board of Directors 33 Executive Council 34 Committees 34 Advisory Committee 34 Implementation Committees 34 Technical and Interim Committees 36 3 Activity Report

4 Origin and Mission 4 In March 1998, during the Conférence sur l agriculture et l agroalimentaire québécois (Conference on Quebec s agriculture and agri-food sectors), the Quebec government and the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) made the decision to implement a permanent identification and traceability system for agricultural products from the farm to the table. Quebec has a high level of expertise with regard to food health and safety. The implementation of an identification and traceability system has allowed the Quebec agri-food sector to have an effective and efficient management tool enabling it to preserve the excellent reputation now associated with the quality of Quebec agricultural produce. In order to reach this objective, an independent non profit organization was created on September 25 th, 2001: Agri-Traçabilité Québec Inc. (ATQ). Created by virtue of the Companies Act, part III, ATQ s mission is to contribute to the improvement of food safety and the competitive capacity of agricultural producers and of the overall industry. ATQ looks after the development, implementation and operation of a permanent identification and traceability system for food and agricultural products for both livestock and crops. The implementation of the traceability system is subsidized by the ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) (Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). The Quebec government, which is also responsible for the regulations on traceability, provides annual funding to ATQ for the development, implementation and management of the traceability system in Quebec. Objectives Quickly control and eliminate a crisis situation by allowing for rapid reaction to a problem involving farm livestock diseases and food safety; Retrace any animal or agricultural product to its farm of origin, and know the background, movements and current location of the animal or product; Improve diagnostic and monitoring capacities and therefore reduce the hazards associated with the export and import of livestock and agricultural products. Mandates Standardize the applications between various agricultural productions which will result in maximizing the investments required for implementation for each of the different production sectors and thereby reducing entry costs into the system; Bring together activities in the same location in the form of a single database for the traceability of all agricultural productions from the farm to the table. Maximizing the use of resources and thereby reducing operational costs and allow for, in the case of a crisis situation, quick reaction at the level of farming operations in order to minimize any financial and material impacts. Negotiate partnerships for the exchange of information between stakeholders of the agri-food sector such as dairy herd analysis services, breed associations, the marketing systems, the Financière agricole du Québec, government agencies, etc. Agri-Traçabilité Québec

5 Provincial and Federal regulations The Quebec traceability system is based on obligation of stakeholders to comply with provincial legislation that governs certain aspects of livestock identification and traceability. This is referred to as the Regulation on the identification and traceability of certain animals (p. 42, r. 1.1). Furthermore, Quebec regulation complies with the federal provisions found in the Health of Animals Act Part XV Animal Identification. Important characteristics of the Quebec traceability system The fundamental characteristics of the Quebec system are based on the need to identify animals from birth, on the obligation to activate an animal s ear tag, provide the animal s birth date and gender and to position the animal in a predefined production site. Each movement of the animal must be declared as soon as it enters into a new location. A site can be a building, a pasture, an auction, a sorting station, an agricultural fair, an slaughterhouse, etc. The identifiers chosen by the members for the bovine, ovine and cervid sectors are comprised of an electronic tag (RFID) and a visual panel recognized by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). Therefore, each animal has its own 15-digit ISO number that will stay with it throughout its lifespan. Thank You to our partners To establish a complete and effective traceability system, the collaboration of all stakeholders is essential. Agri-Traçabilité Québec would like to point out the excellent collaboration of all the partners and stakeholders who, in some way, have contributed to the advancement of traceability in Quebec. We would also like to thank all of the stakeholders who share their experiences in the implementation of traceability by allowing us and our guests to visit their operations. Their collaboration is a major asset in the recognition that has been achieved, at both the Canadian and international levels, for all the work that has been accomplished by all of the sectors involved in traceability in Quebec. In addition, many projects on which ATQ is currently working require the contribution of numerous people. We would like to thank all producers, livestock transporters, auctions, slaughterhouse and sorting centres managers, specialised federations as well as all of the other stakeholders who have participated in some way in the creation and completion of projects led by ATQ. Without your collaboration, none of this could have become a reality! Traceability Partners in Quebec 5 Activity Report

6 6 ATQ Agri-Traçabilité Québec

7 Chairman s Message 10 Years Already! This year, ATQ is celebrating its 10 th Anniversary! Looking over the last decade, I note with great pride our many achievements. I wish to thank the producers for their valuable collaboration and the importance of their contribution. For some, the expertise developed by ATQ opened our borders to exporting their products to certain countries like the United States and Japan. Our traceability system is an indispensable tool and its future looks very promising. By investing in the Quebec traceability system, the Canadian government demonstrated strong leadership. The federal subsidy of $ 969,920 granted to ATQ will help us continue the development of a traceability solution that will benefit all agri-food sectors at the Canadian level. In July 2009, the federal and provincial ministers of agriculture felt that Canada should adopt, by the end of 2011, a national traceability system in the areas of livestock and poultry. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and ATQ will join forces for the establishment of a Canadian traceability system. For next year, Ms. Linda Marchand will join the Steering Committee whose mandate will be to determine the system requirements, develop a business plan and an organizational structure that will provide a national multi-species traceability data service. RB The traceability pilot project to the table is progressing. ATQ is working hard to complete this final link in the traceability chain. We will honour the promise we made to producers. First, we would like to assess the interest of consumers and evaluate their understanding of the concept of traceability. Consumers are increasingly demanding in regard to the origin of the products they consume. Over the next few years, traceability will become a major concern. Food safety and protecting economic markets represent increasingly important elements for many countries. We would like to close the loop by completing the final link in the traceability chain and promote traceable foods in Quebec. We made this promise to the producers and we will keep it. On behalf of the Agri-Traçabilité Québec Board of Directors, I thank each of you who, day after day, collaborate to improve our traceability system and contribute significantly to the reputation of the organization beyond our borders. Richard Maheu Chairman of the Board of Directors Chairman 7 Activity Report

8 8 FPAMQ Agri-Traçabilité Québec

9 Message from the General Manager It s the time to assess And make a commitment!!! We are beginning our 10 th year! What a journey we ve had together. To pay tribute to all those who contributed to the success of ATQ and to promote our wonderful achievements, various activities will take place throughout the year. But more specifically by looking back at the past few months, we should be very proud of the work accomplished this year. All this success would be unthinkable without teamwork. After implementing ISO certification in March 2008, ATQ joined the Quebec Charter RB of total quality. Management members and the entire ATQ team are committed to provide quality service to producers. We are also committed to make their traceability related tasks easier by developing various tools such as the introduction of a telephone inventory service, improvements to the ATQ Direct site, FormCLIC software development, etc. Current projects with the Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Canadian Pork Council are going well. Internationally, with the Chilean file, there is great hope. Following the feasibility study conducted in the Fall of 2010, ATQ and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) will work together to introduce a unique Canadian multi-species traceability system. Members of both boards of directors offered me this new challenge. I agreed, not without regret, to temporarily leave my team to carry out this project. It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to collaborate on the development of a national traceability system. I ll be back with ATQ in March Daniel Marcheterre will act as interim DG and I am counting on you to support him during the next year. Finally, I would like to thank each of you for your dedication and your support which is so valuable to the success of this system and I wish everyone in our wonderful team a happy birthday! Linda Marchand General Manager General Manager 9 Activity Report

10 Administrative and operational 10 administrative and Operational Department Customer Service Introduction of a new and free tool: Telephone inventory To make it easier for producers and enable them to consult their traceability records, a fully automated telephone inventory service was designed. With this new service, they may, among other things, obtain a summary of their inventory, a complete inventory of their herds and a list indicating their animals movements. These data are requested by phone, but sent by or fax. Information tools promoted this new service at various regional meetings and at presentations made to organizations such as the Fédération des producteurs de bovins du Québec (FPBQ) and La Financière agricole du Québec (FADQ). Working with our Partners Always eager to offer a first class service, customer service has done an outstanding job assisting feeder calf and lamb producers in updating their traceability files, thereby increasing the compliance required by the FADQ. To facilitate the work of producers and partners, in terms of compliance of required information to manage the insurance program, members of our customer service team members, in partnership with the FADQ, have developed various tools. Within the framework of the special contribution project for the development of marketing tools for cull cattle for which nearly 1,200 producers have sent a request to review their inventory of live animals, ATQ has worked closely with the Federation to review the 2010 records. To set the table for 2011, several meetings with the FPBQ were held. To improve their information exchange, ATQ and Valacta undertook a comprehensive validation task that will better meet the needs of producers. Various avenues will be exploited during the next year and joint training will be offered to partners. Within a continuous improvement process, some team members have served on various committees that have helped identify the needs of producers and partners. The recommendations that were made and analyzed will help improve the existing system, adapt business processes and thereby better serve our customers. Automation Team The Automation team develops and provides agricultural producers and various stakeholders with simple solutions to automate data gathering and sending the datas related to traceability. Composed of state-of-the-art electronic equipment and software specially designed for Quebec producers, these solutions save time and money and greatly reduce the risk of error. RFID Readers Agri-Traçabilité Québec offers RFID readers from Allflex, Syscan ID and Gallagher at the best possible prices. Consolidated Purchasing Program Introduced last year for bovine sector producers, the consolidated purchasing program helps to purchase RFID readers and traceability software, and to receive training at very affordable prices. In addition, the Automation team provides producer associations access to MAPAQ funding. Agri-Traçabilité Québec

11 RB Customer Service team From the left, Caroline Lebel, Lyne Ostiguy, Emilie Wilford, Aline Lévesque, Hélène Lepage, Sylvie Pelletier, Lucie Giroux, Jocelyne Gauvin and Lucille Poirier. Not pictured: Isabelle Ouellet, Caroline Marchand and Vincent Gauthier. 11 Activity Report

12 RB Customer service team From the left, Lina LaValle, Josée Laliberté, Louise Lacroix, Josée Pellerin, Carole Morin, Danielle Julien, Nathalie Gendron, Roxanne Lachapelle, Brigitte Fortin, Nadine Perron and Nathalie Allard. Not pictured: Stéphanie Barr and Caroline Gosselin. 12 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

13 This program was offered this year to ovine sector producer associations and it was a resounding success: 180 readers have been sold in total (122 in the bovine sector, 58 in the ovine sector) throughout the province. Agents from the Automation team criss-crossed the province to meet with buyers to present and to offer training sessions for our products. Those were made available directly at the farm or by the phone. In the ovine sector, Agri-Traçabilité Québec is now the distributor of two new products: PDA Traçabilité, developed by the Fédération des producteurs d agneaux et moutons du Québec, and BerGère mobile (Psion). Under the consolidated purchasing program, 12 PDA Traçabilité units were sold and 51 Psion units. In the cervid sector, the consolidated purchasing program was presented to the producers associations at the Annual General Meeting of the Quebec Red Deer Association, on February 19 th. The purchases will begin in Reader Loan Program The RFID reader loan program was introduced a few years ago and it offers the opportunity to borrow an RFID reader so that producers can test the product before making a purchase. The Automation service continued this popular program again this year. Tests for New Readers Always striving to offer products tailored to the needs of Quebec customers, Agri-Traçabilité Québec has tested new RFID readers from two suppliers. Tests conducted at our offices and on some GL farms in Quebec, with the help of cattle, sheep and deer producers, are being conducted this year. If the tests are successful, ATQ will negotiate with these suppliers to offer their products at the lowest possible cost. FormCLIC is the traceability software developed by Agri-Traçabilité Québec and is distributed for free to all Quebec customers. Again this year, the Automation service was widely sought at the telephone support level. In fact, officers took over 4,100 calls. With customer feedback, this year ATQ made three updates to improve the software and make it more userfriendly. In the same vein, all the user manuals have been improved to make them more accessible to producers. This year, Agri-Traçabilité Québec has undertaken a complete overhaul of the application. In the coming year, a new version of FormCLIC will be created, and will be usable both on a desktop computer and a on a handheld computer (Blackberry type). The Automation team has begun analyzing the work and it should be completed by the spring of Live Animal Transportation The Automation team has invested considerable effort in the live animal transportation project. TransTraq Over the last few months of 2010, nearly 3,000 hours were invested in developing the new version of TransTraq. This software that is installed on a PDA type computer was chosen by ATQ because it meets the user-friendly and durability criteria. It is 13 Activity Report

14 designed for carriers of live animals in the bovine, ovine and porcine sectors. Fixed Readers in Trucks To meet the technological challenges, Agri- Traçabilité Québec has developed a business relationship with a team of consultants from RFID Academia. To improve existing tools and develop effective solutions, about thirty days were devoted to laboratory tests and field tests. To complete this research, ATQ hired the services of EPSILIA at the end of the year. Over the next year, the ATQ team of experts will work closely with both companies. Sorting Centres The efforts that began last year to automate the transfer of information from sorting centres continued in In addition, two other major sorting centres now transfer their data using specially designed software. New Software for Cervid Producers The Automation team participated in defining the functionality of the new national software, the Cervid Information Tracking System (CITS), designed for cervids breeders. The organization s initiatives have allowed producers to send all their traceability data using this software, without having to enter specific information. The first version is now available in Quebec. Bovine Meat Traceability Together with the Development team, the Automation team contributed as expert resources in the bovine meat traceability project. Involved in the sector committee meetings (July 8, October 6, December 15, 2010 and February 23, 2011), the Automation ATQ team participated in company visits (about 20 such visits were conducted in ). This helped to draw a portrait of the different technologies available to companies that manage traceability activities. Slaughterhouses Once again this year, ATQ played an advisory role with Quebec slaughterhouse representatives in terms of applying for grants from the MAPAQ, which would allow them to automate their traceability operations. For , the Automation team helped a dozen establishments, who now send their information electronically. New Technologies for Identifying Animals A request for funding from the federal government under the Canadian Industry Traceability Infrastructure Program (CITIP) was filed in conjunction with the CCIA in March One of the objectives is to estimate if the ultra highfrequency identifiers allow producers to perform their inventory more quickly. ATQ Direct In , Agri-Traçabilité Québec made a major update of its transactional website, ATQ Direct. To make it easier for producers, new features were added. The Automation team played a leading role in collecting and analyzing customer needs, in prioritizing features to be added and in testing performance. In addition, to provide stakeholders with even better tools, a Phase 2 is already in progress. 14 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

15 RB Automation team From left, Jean-Sébastien Rioux, Marie-Claude Préfontaine, Alexandre Hinse-Bédard, France Ladouceur, Karl Poupart and Annie Chagnon. 15 Activity Report

16 information technologies Department information Technologies 16 Transition from the ATQ Application to a Web platform (AGTWeb) The ATQ Application design was made in It dealt mainly with operational demands for a local application and served a single animal production. During the last decade, ATQ has grown significantly and now, this application no longer meets the needs of the organization. The obsolescence of ATQ Application and the costs for updating it warrant his removal. To correct this situation, the design, architecture and interface have been completely revamped. The new structure must meet both the ATI marketing requirements and the eventual needs of producers and partners. The new features include animal monitoring and tracking modules, support systems for correcting events, Web service mode access and the management of movements. The Animal Monitoring and Animal Tracking modules help ATQ to know the movements of each animal, its current location, its prior movements, and the animals it has come in contact with. The Animal Tracking module helps locate an animal carrying a disease that may infect animals identified individually or in lots. The Help systems for correcting events clearly illustrate animal s movements, at all stages of life and enable customer service agents to quickly identify the differences between ATQ S datas and the actual facts. Web mode access guarantees the accuracy of the information provided by stakeholders to the ATQ database. With the new system, the web connection will interact in real time. By clearly identifying the desired tasks (such as additions, modifications or deletions), customer service agents or producers who update their records (via ATQ Direct) will guarantee the information collected and validated. A marketable version of AGTWeb will be available by the fall of PigTrace The PigTrace application was developed in partnership with the Canadian Pork Council. It is available since October Ordering Module To meet the needs of our current and future customers, the Ordering module was redesigned. It is easy to use and offers graphic options and new features like online payment. It will be available to users during the summer of Agri-Traçabilité Québec

17 RB IT team In front, Martin Laliberté surrounded by his collegues, Maxime David, Guillaume Taillon, Daniel Kovacs, Ugo Bellavance and Mark Alexandre Allen-Lefebvre. At the back, Michel Farkas, Sylvain Sénéchal, Francis Morin and Matthieu Delisle. Not pictured: Marc Sourdif (IT Department Director) and Caroline Houde. 17 Activity Report

18 Communications Department communications 18 ATQ is always eager to inform producers and stakeholders about its new tools and services and disseminate the results of its pilot project, among other things, the tag retention. A flyer promoting the consolidation purchasing program was sent to bovine producers with the notice to attend the Annual General Meeting. Following the adjustments made by the MAPAQ, the Responsibilities of bovine and ovine owners or custodians tables were updated and sent to all producers. These mailings also contained a checklist reminding producers the importance of updating their records and a new Automation brochure outlining the various automation tools available to them. ASRA Program Feeder Calf / Joint Committee FADQ-ATQ-FPBQ- FPAMQ Together with members of the joint committee, ATQ developed an integrated communication plan that includes strategies to remind producers of the importance of updating their records to meet the FADQ s requirements. A promotional leaflet presenting ATQ products and services was prepared and sent with the bovine and ovine summaries. Training To effectively meet the various requests from producers, a training plan was prepared for FADQ service centre representatives, for UPA regional federation agents and consultants and for Valacta representatives. New Tools and Services Various articles promoting the revamped ATQ Direct transactional website, automation tools and the new telephone inventory service appeared in the Terre de chez nous (TCN), the Minute Bovine, Bovins du Québec and on the Agri-Réseau and ATQ website. Call waiting capsules were also designed. In addition, two advertisements will be published in the specialized feeder calf auction network schedule. FormCLIC Ads were prepared and published in the TCN, the Vision Terre et Forêt newspaper and in Grands Gibiers Express. In addition, an advertising campaign was conducted among producers at the regional congress of the Saguenay/Lac St-Jean UPA Federation. Pilot Projects Retention Tag Retention Bovine Sector An interview was conducted with the owners of the Gerville farm and an article on the first results of the project and the proposed solutions was published in the TCN, the Quebec Farmer s Advocate (QFA), Bovins du Québec, a dozen agricultural publications in the province and on the websites of some UPA regional federations. Agri-Traçabilité Québec

19 FDX Retention We tested the identifiers from Allflex, Destron and Reyflex with dairy and slaughter farm animals. The results of this project were published in the June 2010 edition of Bovins du Québec. Ultraflex This new identifier is the result of a team work carried out by Allflex and ATQ. It is made with a very flexible plastic and the backside parts are rounded. This product was specifically designed to meet the temperature differences unique to Quebec. Two types of chips are now available, HDX (half duplex) and FDX (full duplex). In January 2011, a personalized letter and a price list for the new identifiers was sent to bovine producers informing them that this new product would be available in March An advertising and a feature article will appear in the April edition of TCN. A pack insert highlighting the features of the new Ultraflex tag and the HDX and FDX chips will be included in the identifier boxes for the next 12 months, starting in May Defective Ovine Tags A letter of apology was written, jointly with Allflex and signed by the latter, and was sent to ovine producers who received defective tags between January 12 and March 31, As compensation, the supplier offered a 50% credit applicable on purchases made during that period. Infrastructure Program Canadian Traceability Mr. Richard Maheu gave a speech last January 13 th at the conference during which the federal Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Jean-Pierre Blackburn, announced a grant of $ 969,000 to ATQ. This funding will allow continued development of a traceability solution that will benefit all agri-food sectors at the Canadian level. Updating Purchase Orders MB The change in the Quebec sales tax (QST), effective from January 1 st, 2011, required an update of the purchase orders for all three regulated productions. Consolidated Purchasing Program Ovine Sector To promote the subsidy program for the purchase of computerized tools such as RFID readers and other tracking devices, two articles written by the communications team were published in the Ovin Québec magazine. It featured, among other things, the benefits of each available model. 19 Activity Report

20 Internal Newsletter De Boucles à Oreilles Seven issues were published over the last 12 months. This publication was originally produced on a monthly basis and will now be published every two months. Traceability DVD The update, in Summer of 2010, of the Traceability DVD allowed to integrate the many achievements since the original version of In 2011, ATQ is celebrating its 10 th Anniversary In the Strategic Plan, different targets were set such as, promote the added value of traceability, improve the visibility of ATQ and maintain a sense of belonging among employees and their commitment to customers. The 10 th Anniversary of ATQ is a great opportunity to develop a strategy for achieving these goals. It is also a great vehicle with which we can reach a new target: the consumer. A 10 th Anniversary signature was designed. Throughout the year, it will appear on our various communication tools. To highlight the numerous accomplishments and to pay tribute to our employees, producers and partners, an outreach program was developed. In addition, a sponsorship program was developed and our major suppliers were approached for financial assistance which will enable us to perform various activities throughout the year. A gala dinner will conclude the festivities on September 29, 2011, at the Boucherville Golf Club and all ATQ s employees, partners, suppliers and other special guests will be invited. 20 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

21 RB Administration, Accounting and Communications team From the left, Marie Desjardins, Karine Abdel, Monique Barrette, Geneviève Goulet, Freddy Samuel, Isabelle Bastien, Maryse Laroche and Manon Bélanger (Communications Director). 21 Activity Report

22 Development Department During the past year, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), in collaboration with provincial associations, including the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec (FPPQ), have continued to develop the national porcine traceability system named PigTrace Canada, for the future federal regulations. The main objective of this system is to quickly track pigs and identify, in case of a crisis associated with a disease outbreak or food safety, the condevelopment 22 The Agri-Traçabilité Québec and Agri-Traçabilité International teams actively participate in increasing the visibility of the traceability system implemented in Quebec both at the provincial, national and international level. Since the Fall of 2010, the Development team has been divided into three units. The business development activities for the Quebec market as well as those for the Canadian market are now under the umbrella of ATQ. For its part, Agri-Traçabilité International (ATI), a subsidiary of ATQ founded in 2006, focuses its development activities on the international market. Its mission is to provide effective and custom traceability solutions, backed by technical and professional services that meet international requirements. Introduction of a Unique Canadian Traceability System In July 2009, the Ministers of Agriculture at the federal, provincial and territorial levels became committed to creating a comprehensive national traceability system for poultry and livestock. They agreed, supported by national funding and a regulatory framework, to introduce a national system for livestock for In Fall 2010, ATQ and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) participated very actively in a study by Samson Bélair Deloitte & Touche, whose mandate was to assess and define the elements required for implementing a fully integrated multi-species traceability system. The results of this approach have confirmed that the introduction of a unique data service on multispecies traceability would represent a considerable advantage. Sharing CCIA and ATQ experience, expertise and infrastructure would reduce operating costs significantly, improve services and simplify processes for the Canadian agri-food industry. In the Spring of 2011, a Steering Committee was established. Its mandate will be to determine the system requirements, develop a business plan and an organizational structure to provide a national multi-species traceability data service. To support this Steering Committee, Linda Marchand s services were retained until March 2012, as Interim Director. Quebec Market Traceability in the Porcine Sector The traceability implementation work for the Quebec porcine sector is closely related to the one developed at the Canadian level. Federal regulatory requirements will determine what will be introduced in Quebec. Agri-Traçabilité Québec

23 cerned hog farms. In parallel, the Quebec porcine industry implementation committee, consisting of representatives of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, the Société des éleveurs de porcs du Québec, the Centre de développement du porc du Québec, the Association québécoise des industries de nutrition animale et céréalière, the Coopérative Fédérée, the Centre d insémination porcine du Québec, the Canadian Pork Council, the Association des producteurs de sangliers du Québec, the Canadian Meat Council, the Association québécoise des transporteurs d animaux vivants, the MAPAQ, the CFIA, the FADQ and ATQ, met twice during the past year. This committee determined what needed to be developed for Quebec producers in terms of traceability. The Quebec pork industry would like to standardize the identification and traceability system to be implemented in Quebec with the rest of Canada. It was agreed that Quebec producers would be subject to the same requirements as producers from the other Canadian provinces. The MAPAQ expressed, with members of the committee, its intention not to establish a provincial regulation, but rather to comply with federal regulations. Despite the lack of provincial regulations, ATQ could be mandated by the FPPQ to assist Quebec producers in implementing traceability. In addition, through its expertise and involvement at the national level, ATQ will play an important role. It will advise and guide the industry partners on the essential steps in implementing traceability in the porcine sector and will continue to develop tools to facilitate Quebec hog producers. Lobster Project During the Summer of 2010, ATQ was asked by the Table des pêches maritimes, the Association des pêcheurs propriétaires des Îles-de-la- Madeleine, the Regroupement des pêcheurs et propriétaires du sud de la Gaspésie and by MAPAQ representatives to carry out a pilot project on the identification of live lobsters caught in Quebec. Therefore, a service offer was made and accepted by the lenders. A pilot project was rapidly established to meet the urgent needs of the industry. In collaboration with several industry representatives, six months of work were required. Several identifiers were tested in the field before selecting the model that best fit the needs of different stakeholders. The project s final report that includes, among other elements, the detailed results was filed with the fishermen associations, lenders and the MAPAQ representatives concerned. For the 2011 lobster fishing season, the two lobster fishermen associations agreed to test with the help of a few fishermen, the selected identifier with a number. To ensure where lobster is from and to allow consumers to trace its origin, the information will be available on the Aliments du Québec portal. More than a hundred volunteer fishermen from Gaspésie and Magdalen Island will participate in the identification process. Horticulture Sector Following the pilot project on the traceability of lettuce, ATQ has continued to work in conjunction with the Horticulture sector traceability committee (Comité sectoriel sur la traçabilité en horticulture; CSTH) to develop a system that would introduce traceability in the Quebec fruit and vegetables sector. 23 Activity Report

24 Buyers requirements in terms of food safety, including traceability as an essential part, are increasingly present in the industry. Whether to serve major grocery chains or the export market, traceability has become a must. However, how to implement traceability must be defined, especially to standardize all the initiatives in order to avoid multiplying systems and the difficulties this could have in the field. A second project in the horticultural sector, comprising of more than one production, is in progress. Its objective is to work together with various parts of the marketing chain for fruits and vegetables (from producer to retailer). We want to develop a harmonized approach with respect to the identification of stakeholders and products. In addition, exchanging data will adequately meet the traceability needs of the horticultural sector. We are also closely monitoring the work carried out by our American neighbours and their Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI). This is a comprehensive electronic tracking of fruit and vegetables that would target all components of the supply chain by It will therefore be important for our producers exporting to the United States. To achieve this second phase of the pilot project, a working committee was established and several exploratory visits have already occurred among grower-packers, wholesalers and other representatives in the marketing chain. A request for funding for this project has been made and we would like to begin testing in the Summer of In short, we have much work ahead for the coming year, but the produce sector is certain to move forward in developing an effective traceability system that meets their needs. ATQ will be there to support them! Bovine Meat Traceability Now that traceability is well established in the Quebec bovine production from the farm to the slaughterhouse, the work must continue in the next parts of the marketing chain, from the slaughterhouse to the retailer. A project jointly funded by the Conseil pour le développement de l agriculture du Québec (CDAQ) and the Fond de développement de la transformation alimentaire (FDTA) under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program began in the Fall of The goal is to establish a profile of the current bovine traceability in Quebec. Each of the thirty-two companies visited belongs to one of the targeted components: federal or provincial slaughterhouse, processing plant, distributor, retailer and restaurants. The project is overseen by a working committee composed of two levels of government: the MAPAQ, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in which each component is represented. ATQ, in close collaboration with the MAPAQ, is responsible for the field project. The results expected this Summer will lay the groundwork for Phase 2 of a pilot project that will be tested, in the field, the traceability of meat and the types of identification and monitoring of the products. One step closer to traceability from the farm to the table! 24 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

25 Bovine Identifier Retention Projects Proactive and always responsive to the issue of tag retention, ATQ offered in early 2011, the new Ultraflex identifier to bovine producers. This identifier, manufactured by the company Allflex, was developed while taking into account comments and suggestions obtained from Quebec bovine producers. A pilot project began in 2009 with the objective to test this new identifier on animals from 7 dairy farms and 7 beef farms. After two years of testing, the Ultraflex distinguished itself by its overall performance both in terms of retention as well as damages to the backside parts (no broken backside parts were found) contrary to the regular Allflex identifier. Last Fall, ATQ has taken concrete steps to provide this improved identifier to all Quebec bovine producers as of The Ultraflex, as its name implies, is composed of ultra-flexible plastic, specifically adapted to climate and farming conditions in Quebec. The backside parts are rounded and don t catch as easily in different tag traps. The plastic and the form of the identifier fit almost perfectly the natural form of the animal s ear. There is little space for an object to come between the identifier and the ear to damage and ultimately loosen the identifier or injure the animal. This new identifier is the result of various pilot projects carried out by ATQ on about forty bovine farms. The project Retention 3 years, started in 2007 and extended for one year, ended at the end of It was conducted on twenty farms, especially dairy. This project has helped target the main factors causing the loss of identifiers, namely the environment and where the identifiers were installed. There were links found between the type of farm environment or the type of equipment installed and the rate of loss of identifiers, which allowed us to propose solutions. The findings of this project were shared with producers and published in several agricultural newspapers. To emphasize the importance of installing the tag at the right place to maximize retention, a new and more detailed set of visual instructions was added to all orders of identifiers. Undertaken in May 2008 on a dozen farms, both dairy and beef, the pilot project Retention FDX showed a similarity in terms of standard identifier retention from the companies evaluated. This project will conclude in the Fall ATQ of To date, the loss rate has been higher in beef cows than dairy cows. Beef cows live outside all year, so they are exposed to considerable temperature differences. Furthermore, their behaviour is different and they are much more wild and rugged than dairy cows. For similar reasons, a greater number of losses of backside parts were noted in this category of livestock. The project Identifier retention with high failure level and Combo Tags, which began in late 2008 for completion in late 2011, continues with five herds of beef cows. Although the rod (the shaft) of the identifier has been strengthened, the issue of damaged backside parts continues, which affects long-term retention. The Combo Tag identifier, which was also tested in the project Retention 3 years on dairy cows was also appreciated by beef farmers for its shape. It should be noted that the Combo Tag identifier has a broad moulded visual panel along with an electronic chip. This greatly facilitates visual identification of animals in pastures, for example. 25 Activity Report

26 RB Business Development team 26 From the left, Julie Blais, Marie-Christine Talbot (Director, International Business Development ATI), Lyne Ravary, Abdenour Boukhalfa, Martine Beaulé, Stéphane Déragon and Mélissa Lalonde. Agri-Traçabilité Québec

27 Canadian Market Canadian Pork Council For over a year, Agri-Traçabilité Québec has acted as a service provider for the Canadian Pork Council (CPC). The CPC solicits ATQ s skills as a consultant for its expertise in implementing a traceability system, desing, maintenance and hosting of computer systems as well as its experience in customer service among agricultural stakeholders. At the Canadian level, traceability in the porcine sector is currently done on a voluntary basis and its implementation is progressing in stages. The first phase was to provide bilingual customer service enabling Canadian hog producers to obtain official identifiers. This service has been operational since October 2009 and provincial associations of producers in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have gradually registered their members and their production sites in the national PigTrace Canada database. Registered producers can therefore obtain official identifiers and associate them with their stakeholder number, which will eventually facilitate their movement declarations. The work of the 2 nd phase continued in and, all of the elements of the database are configured to track individual and lot movements. Representatives of the CPC, the ATQ Development team and Information Technology team have customized the software by providing Web access to PigTrace Canada. This helps to meet the requirements, features and realities of the porcine sector in reporting individual movements, in lots or mixed, while complying with government requirements and monitoring movements. The development of the application is completed, but testing in the field is planned before the official deployment. Dairy Farmers of Canada The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) have solicited the consulting services of ATQ to assist them in implementing a comprehensive traceability system similar to that of the Quebec dairy cattle sector. ATQ supports the DFC in all stages of traceability implementation, planning and operations. The implementation of traceability in the national dairy cattle sector was proposed and approved by the national working group. This implementation project includes the schedule, composition and responsibilities of the committees to be set up. In addition, ATQ has participated in drafting the request for funding filed by the DFC under the Canadian Industry Traceability Infrastructure Program. To date, the project is at its start-up stage. ATQ has played an advisory role to the DFC at meetings of the national work group, the finance committee and the regulatory committee. New Brunswick The bovine farmers association in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries of New Brunswick asked ATQ to support them in developing a pilot project. The analysis has helped identify and define the traceability needs for the bovine industry in New Brunswick and a pilot project proposal was developed. Automation tools tailored to stakeholders (slaughterhouses, auctions, collection centers, transporters and producers) will be tested and analyzed to ensure they adequately meet the needs. This project will allow them to share with authorized partners, information such as dates of birth and dates of slaughter. This phase precedes the introduction of a system developed specifically for this sector. 27 Activity Report

28 Federal Project for the Development of the Core of Agri-Trace Web In March 2010, ATQ submitted a grant application to the federal government for a project to enhance the development of the core of Agri-Trace Web and provide a consolidated base capable of accommodating the traceability of new agricultural products. More specifically, this project aims to develop common software features for all livestock and crop production by integrating automation functions of operations, data collection and validation as well as transfer and exchange of information between the database and stakeholders in the traceability chain. In July 2010, the federal government announced their acceptance of the application and granted the funds for this important project. This initiative has received support from several provincial and national federations of producers. These organizations recognize the importance of maintaining an effective traceability system that will help develop the sector, to meet the needs of their customers and maintain consumer confidence vis-à-vis Canadian products. Moreover, the new Web approach offers interesting perspectives for the management of the information system for traceability of products both individually and in lots. In addition, to effectively equip the stakeholders in declaring and monitoring products, the Web interface presents new challenges in terms of design. This project, which began in July 2010, will end in March International Market Chile Since the trade mission of Agri-Traçabilité International (ATI) in Chile was held in April 2010, much has changed... ATI and its partners welcomed the delegation of Agrosuper in May 2010 and members of Servicio Agricola y Ganadero (Chilean government) in October of that same year. To discover and understand the traceability system in Quebec, visits were organized both in the production and processing sectors. Thank you to all our collaborators for their generosity and thank you for opening your doors to our Chilean visitors. These initiatives have achieved their objective: the Chilean government and key stakeholders in Chile are now convinced that the Quebec traceability model suits their agrarian context. The Chilean government has requested a service offer by ATI to assess the traceability program in Chile. In December 2010, ATI was invited to Chile to present a proposal to analyze the current traceability program in Chile. ATI s Chilean mission will consist of a multidisciplinary team and will be held in late April The filing of a report including recommendations and an action plan to improve the Chilean traceability system is the objective of this mandate. This project will be completed by June ATI has high hopes 28 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

29 for this mandate which will, thereafter, lead to a larger project. According to the diagnosis results, projects stemming from the recommendations could represent, among other things, supporting the Government in improving the traceability system already in place, the implementation of the Agri-Trace solution and/or adapting the current database, creating an Agri-Traceability Chile, etc. Buena suerte to us! (Good luck!) Morocco Agri-Traçabilité International was honoured to present its organization and expertise to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, during his visit to the Maison de l UPA. At the preparatory meeting, ATI participated in the workshop on agriculture and agri-food whose main objective was the exchange of economic opportunities, investment and cooperation in the agricultural sector in Morocco. This workshop enabled ATI to showcase its products and services and establish business relationships with key people. Subsequently, ATI was invited to attend the Forum économique et de coopération des compétences canado-marocaines to be held in Morocco in May Networking and market development activities will continue during the Forum. Algeria Following the pilot test on the implementation of an animal traceability system in Algeria in the Summer of 2009 (in particular dairy cattle production), discussions continued over the first two quarters of These exchanges took place with senior management representatives of the Caisse Nationale de la Mutualité Agricole (CNMA), a parapublic organization, as well as senior officials from the Ministère de l Agriculture et du Développement Rural Algérien (MADR).This has helped strengthen business relationships and share with them our expertise in setting up an animal traceability system. We hope that some interesting developments will emerge in the coming months. ATI Advisory Committee An advisory committee, directed at marketing and development, was formed to oversee the management of ATI s current activities and report to ATQ s Board of Directors. This committee consists of Mr. Richard Maheu (Chairman of the Board of ATQ), Michel Dessureault (ATQ Board member), Rénald Levesque (Executive Member of the Board of ATQ) and two permanent employees of ATQ, Mrs. Linda Marchand and Mr. Bertrand Farmer. Mr. Guy Auclair (Executive Member of the Board of ATQ) was also present in some of these meetings. Members of the Advisory Committee met on May 28, September 7 (with Deloitte), September 16, October 20, November 11, 2010 and January 20, 2011 (conference call). 29 Activity Report

30 Exchanges 30 External Exchanges The Agri-Traçabilité Québec team actively participates in the visibility of the traceability system implemented in Quebec, provincially, nationally and internationally. Representation in National Committees At the federal level, Mrs. Linda Marchand and Mr. Bertrand Farmer sit on the Industry-Government Advisory Committee on Traceability. This organization was created in 2007 by the Federal- Provincial-Territorial Traceability of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada working group. Presentations The ATQ team receives numerous invitations to participate as speaker in national and international conferences or in provincial and national information meetings. Herewith are some of the organizations and events where members of the ATQ team have made presentations in the past year: Cégep Lévis Lauzon March 2010 Conseil d administration de la Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec May 2010 The National Cattle Feeders Association July 2010 Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, DC August 2010 Canadian Dairy Network September 2010 Association des éleveurs de bovins Fredericton, New Brunswick February 2011 Syndicats des producteurs de lait, St-Jean- Valleyfield March 2011 Centre d insémination artificielle du Québec (CIAQ), St-Hyacinthe March 2011 Hosting Visitors We are always proud to share our expertise and achievements. We have hosted a large number of visitors from Canada and abroad. At these meetings, the corporate video is presented and visits to our partners sites are also organized. Here is the list of visitors that ATQ was pleased to host in the past year: Representatives from Agrosuper (Chile) April 2010 Representatives from the Ministère du Développement économique, Innovation et Exportation (MDEIE) May 2010 Sancor Seguros (Argentina) June 2010 Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco July 2010 Nationale Cattle Feeders Association July 2010 Canadian Sheep Federation August 2010 Canadian Dairy Network September 2010 Representatives from Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (Chile) October 2010 Representatives from Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada (AAC) January 2011 Visit by the Governor of the Leningrad region (Russia) March 2011 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

31 The Agri-Traçabilité Québec Team Senior Management Senior management at Agri-Traçabilité Québec, headed by Mrs. Linda Marchand is assisted by Daniel Marcheterre and supported by four branches that oversee the four major sectors of ATQ. Linda Marchand, General Manager Development Department This branch is responsible for implementing traceability in new agricultural production sectors and improving existing conditions in implemented sectors. It also works in the fields of research and development of tools to facilitate the work of various stakeholders. The team, which is dedicated to international development (Agri-Traçabilité International), is an integral part of this team and provides traceability solutions to organizations outside of Canada RB Daniel Marcheterre, Assistant General Manager Administrative and Operational Department This branch is responsible for coordinating the Agri-Traçabilité Québec customer service team, including a Call Centre, a Document Processing Centre and accounting and implementation activities of technological tools for producers. Call Center The role of the Call Centre team is to inform agricultural stakeholders on the various obligations in terms of traceability; take orders for identifiers; update and verify files data in the database. The team also conducts declaration follow-ups with different stakeholders (auctions, slaughterhouses or renderers) as well as conducting telephone reminder campaigns. Please note that this year, the Call Centre received an average of 7,500 calls per month. Document Processing Center The team s mandate is to verify the compliance of the declaration forms transmitted by stakeholders and record them on a daily basis. The team must also process, validate and archive electronically the information received and make inquiries to the database. They manage orders by keeping a physical inventory of ear tags (identifiers) to meet with urgent requests from producers. Management Center This group manages accounting activities, monitors financial projects, issues management policies and provides support to managers. In addition, this team ensures that ATQ complies with ISO standards to maintain ISO accreditation. team 31 Activity Report

32 Automation This team develops and provides agricultural producers and other stakeholders, various solutions to automate the collection and sending of data related to traceability. These solutions save time and money, as well as reduce the risks of error. Information Technologies Department This team is responsible for maintaining computer software applications as well as developing and improving the traceability database. They also are in charge managing the IT equipment, the tele- phone system, the transactional Internet Website and its applications, as well network security. The team also develops tools to help with inquiries regarding follow-up with stakeholder. Communications Department This branch is responsible for the organization s internal and external communications, for updating the website, in addition to providing support to certain training activities. It closely supports the other branches of ATQ and plays an advisory role within various communications projects and promotional activities. Statistics Number of registered bovine producers on March 31 st, Number of declarations since the regulations were introduced ATQ Number of registered ovine producers on March 31 st, Number of declarations since the regulations were introduced Number of registered cervid producers on March 31 st, Number of declarations since the regulations were introduced MB GL Number of visits to the ATQ information website between April 1 st, 2010 and March 31 st, 2011 Number of unique visitors to the ATQ information website between April 1 st, 2010 and March 31 st, Agri-Traçabilité Québec

33 Organizational Structure Board of Directors The Agri-Traçabilité Québec Board of Directors is made up of four representatives from the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), two representatives from the Ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ)*, and one representative from La Financière agricole du Québec (FADQ). Mr. Richard Maheu, President of the Fédération de l UPA Outaouais-Laurentides, presides over the ATQ Board of Directors. Mr. Guy Auclair, Director of the MAPAQ s Direction de la coordination de l inspection des aliments et des mesures d urgence, is the ATQ Board of Directors vice-president. The third executive member of the ATQ Board of Directors is Mr. Rénald Levesque, Program Integration Branch Director for the FADQ. The other members of the Board of Directors are: Mr. André Mousseau, UPA representative and president of the Syndicat des producteurs en serre du Québec (since January 2010, replacing Mr. Robert Babeu); Mr. Charles Proulx, UPA representative and president of the Fédération de l UPA de la Côte-du-Sud; Mr. Michel Dessureault, UPA representative and president of the Fédération des producteurs de bovins du Québec. Board of Directors Meetings The Agri-Traçabilité Québec Board of Directors met on April 29, June 11, September 17, September 27 (conference call), October 25 (governance), November 11, 2010, January 20 (governance), February 3 and March 30, 2011 (conference call). The annual general assembly of Agri-Traçabilité Québec was held on June 11, RB Richard Maheu Rénald Levesque Charles Proulx structure Guy Auclair Michel Dessureault 33 * One MAPAQ member to be confirmed André Mousseau Activity Report

34 Executive Council The executive council of Agri-Traçabilité Québec met on April 29, May 28, 2010, March 3 and March 25, Committees Within the co-operation and consultation process, Agri-Traçabilité Québec is working with specialized resources forming committees: the Advisory Committee as well as the bovine, ovine, porcine and cervid implementation committees. Advisory Committee Mandate: provide technical advice regarding various implementation aspects of the traceability process in an agricultural production. Composed of: technical representatives from the beef and dairy cattle sectors, dairy breeds, ovine sector, porcine sector, MAPAQ, FADQ and the UPA and ATQ s quality assurance members (representatives). Implementation Committees Mandate: confirm the policies and procedural requirements in every production sector; react to particular requirements and regulatory provisions on behalf of producers; promote the realities of production sectors and the permanent identification and traceability system s impacts on the sector as a whole. Composed of: representatives from the production sector involved in the on-going traceability process. The Sector Committee for Table Eggs Traceability is made up of representatives from hatchery, pullet producers, producers, graders, carriers, the Fédération des producteurs d œufs de consommation du Québec, Les Éleveurs de volailles du Québec, the Syndicat des producteurs d œufs d incubation du Québec, the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the MAPAQ, the UPA and ATQ. The Porcine Sector Implementation Committee is made up of representatives from the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, the Société des éleveurs de porcs du Québec, the Centre de développement du porc du Québec, the Coopérative fédérée, the l Association des producteurs de sangliers du Québec, the Centre d insémination porcine du Québec, the Association québécoise des industries de nutrition animale et céréalière, the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, the CFIA, the FADQ, the MAPAQ, the UPA and ATQ. Members from the Porcine Sector Implementation Committee met on July 19, 2010 and on March 28, The Cervid Sector Technical/Implementation Committee is made up of representatives from the Quebec Red Deer Association (QRDA), the Association des éleveurs de wapitis du Québec (AEWQ), the Fédération des éleveurs de grands gibiers du Québec (FEGGQ), the Canadian Cervid Alliance, the Game Ranches Corporation, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNFQ), the CFIA, the MAPAQ and ATQ. 34 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

35 GL

36 Technical and Interim Committees Senior management at ATQ is also supported by other committees that are directly associated with the development of ongoing traceability projects in various agricultural sectors. Bovine Tag Committee Mandate: make sure that the identifier meets the Quebec bovine sector s needs and criteria; find solutions to certain problems arising in the field; make recommendations to the Bovine Sector Implementation Committee. The Bovine Tag Committee met on April 30 (conference call), July 20 and November 2, Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs de bovins du Québec, the Comité conjoint des races bovines du Québec, Valacta, the FADQ, the Centre d insémination artificielle du Québec, the Conseil québécois des races laitières and ATQ. Ovine Tag Committee Mandate: make sure that the identifier meets the Quebec ovine sector s needs and criteria; find solutions to certain problems arising in the field; make recommendations to the Ovine Sector Implementation Committee. Porcine Sector Traceability Technical Committee Mandate: conduct work in the field, including identification methods and methods for transferring data (forms, software, partners, etc); make recommendations to the Porcine Sector Implementation Committee. Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, the Société des éleveurs de porcs du Québec, the Association québécoise des industries de nutrition animale et céréalière, the Coopérative fédérée, the CFIA, the FADQ, the MAPAQ and ATQ. Transport Committee Mandate: find ways to involve carriers in transmitting information concerning animal traceability; implement a pilot project in order to develop certain tools that might help carriers meet their obligations in terms of traceability. Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs de bovins du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs d agneaux et moutons du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs d œufs de consommation du Québec, the FADQ, the MAPAQ and ATQ. Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs d agneaux et moutons du Québec, the Société des éleveurs de moutons de race pure du Québec, the Centre d expertise en production ovine du Québec, the Canadian Sheep Federation, the FADQ and ATQ. 36 Agri-Traçabilité Québec

37 Automation Committee Mandate: find and evaluate reading tools for producers to make electronic data transferring easier; share knowledge with the different sectors and prioritize certain operations in terms of automated data transferring; conduct monitoring at strategic sites such as auctions and slaughterhouses. Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs de bovins du Québec, the Fédération des producteurs d agneaux et moutons du Québec, Valacta, the FADQ, the Centre d insémination artificielle du Québec and ATQ. Table Eggs Traceability Working Committee Mandate: evaluate the feasibility of a unique identification and traceability system for light breed birds and table eggs lots; make recommendations to the Sector Committee for Table Eggs Traceability. Composed of: representatives from the Fédération des producteurs d œufs de consommation du Québec, hatcheries, pullet producers, graders, carriers, the CFIA, the MAPAQ, the UPA and ATQ. 37 TCN Activity Report

38 Activity Report Writing and editing: Manon Bélanger, Karine Abdel, Josée Sanfaçon and Geneviève Goulet Statistics: ATQ s Information Technologies Photos: Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ), Manon Bélanger (MB), Rémy Boily photographe (RB), Gaétan Lehoux (GL), Fédération des producteurs d agneaux et moutons du Québec (FPAMQ) and La Terre de chez nous (TCN) Design and layout: Francine Larivée, DCVS-UPA Translation: Pierre Cloutier Printing: Imprimerie Héon & Nadeau ltée Legal deposit Library and Archives Canada, 2 nd quarter 2011 Legal deposit Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2 nd quarter 2011 ISSN

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40 Agri-Traçabilité Québec Maison de l UPA 555 Roland-Therrien blvd., Suite 050 Longueuil, Québec J4H 4E8 Telephone: Toll free: Fax: Toll free fax: Web site: