Cattle sector gets two-year reprieve from transport regulation enforcement

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Full details are still in the works, but it appears that the cattle industry — dairy included — will get a two-year delay on enforcement of new transport regulations set to come into force in early February.

The federal minister of agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced at a parliamentary reception this week that the grace period for the cattle sector will provide time for “education, awareness, addressing infrastructure needs and the ongoing research to be completed,” says Canadian Cattlemen’s Association manager of policy and programs, Brady Stadnicki.

In a statement to RealAgriculture Bibeau stated, “We know our ranchers and farmers are committed to the welfare of animals, while fostering a high degree of public trust. As of February 2020, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will bring into force improved Humane Transportation of Animals regulations, which had not been updated since the 1970’s. However, we understand that the bovine sector requires more time to meet the new transportation requirements for feed, water, and rest. That’s why the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is introducing a 2-year transition period for bovines, which will give time to gather more data on effective solutions concerning the transport of cattle, while ensuring the preparedness of the sector in Canada.”

Stadnicki says that they are still awaiting full details from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, but are encouraged by the announcement. The cattle industry has pushed for a delay or change in the regulations until current research on transportation — partially funded by the federal government — is completed.

The dairy industry, too, has been grappling with how to meet the new regulatory restrictions, especially as it relates to transit times for very young calves.

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