News
‘OnTraceability’ conference returns in March

Jan. 30, 2012, Guelph, Ont. — OnTrace Agri-Food Traceability has
announced the details for OnTraceability 2012, its annual event on the
state of Canadian agriculture and food traceability.

Jan. 30, 2012, Guelph, Ont. — OnTrace Agri-Food Traceability has announced the details for OnTraceability 2012, its annual event on the state of Canadian agriculture and food traceability.

This year’s conference takes place on Thursday, March 29 at the Kitchener-Waterloo Delta.

“OnTraceability 2012 will turn the spotlight on the national traceability question. This year we will have a cross-Canada check-up from the perspective of government regulators,” said Brian Sterling, CEO, OnTrace.

“It was evident to us, based on the response to last year’s sold-out event, that this is a topic of intense interest in the agriculture and food industry. Our panel will feature federal and provincial officials from Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario who will offer their unique perspective on what is being developed. We expect a spirited discussion that will provide insights into the national traceability system slated to be operational by the end of 2012.”

Speakers will include:

•    Dr. David Acheson, managing director, Food Safety, Leavitt Partners returns to provide an update one year later on of the U.S. “Food Safety Modernization Act,” as well as what the effect of the Harper/Obama meeting on cross-border security and regulatory reconciliation means for both US and Canadian agriculture and food business.

•    Insights into how traceability affects consumers in the retail environment will be presented by David Smith, vice-president, Retail and Sustainability at Sobeys.

•    The day’s final keynote speaker, Dr. David Sparling – professor and chair of Agri-Food Innovation and Regulation, Richard Ivey School of Business will provide his unique perspective in “Overcoming the Final Hurdles to Traceability.” Sparling will explore the prospects for a national traceability system, its effect on public health and sustainability and policy issues within Canada and our U.S. trading partner.

Click here to register and for the complete agenda and speaker details.

ABOUT ONTRACE

OnTrace is the industry-led not-for-profit corporation created to lead food traceability programs and initiatives in the province of Ontario. Its goals are to deliver traceability solutions that will enable the agriculture and agri-food industry in Ontario to become more innovative and competitive and; to strengthen the capacity of industry and government to respond to emergencies related to agriculture and agri-food welfare and public safety.