Lloydminster – The development of a new national cervid traceability system may reopen doors to lucrative foreign markets for elk and deer producers.
Canadian exports of elk and deer antler have been shut out of markets, including the lucrative Korean market, because of chronic wasting disease found in farmed animals several years ago.
Despite assurances of strict monitoring programs, South Korean officials have refused to open their borders to Canadian antler.
A new national traceability program may help pry open the door, said federal minister of agriculture Gerry Ritz, while announcing $633,500 for the development of the program and another $361,400 for a national food safety system for the cervid industry.
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“This will help us regain some of the situations we’ve lost,” said Ritz.
Recently Korea passed legislation prohibiting imported products unless countries have national traceability programs.
Glenda Elkow, vice-president of the Canadian Cervid Alliance, said the new traceability program to be developed will not likely make any difference for Alberta producers, but it is one more step in trying to reopen export markets.
“Producers don’t want to see more paperwork, but if in the end it results in increased market access, it will be welcome,” said Elkow. “Traceability is a top priority for industry to assure consumers of the quality of product we are producing.”
