Validation Workshop for legal framework pertaining to Animal identification and Traceability.

On October 19th and 20th, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted a subregional project to strengthen animal identification and traceability systems in Saint Lucia. Attended on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda were Miss Beverly Thomas, Focal Points and veterinary officer and Mr. J’Moul Francis, legal officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project “TCP/SLC/3802 – Multipurpose Animal Recording Platform for Improving National and Sub-regional Identification and Traceability of Livestock in the Caribbean Region” responds to the growing domestic and global demand for animal products and emerging opportunities for exporting animal products. Animal identification and traceability (AIT) systems are becoming a requirement for access to specific regional or international markets. As a result, many countries worldwide, including emerging economies, have put such systems in place. Legislation is important for the proper establishment and functioning of an AIT system and the allocation of stakeholders’ responsibilities across the different stages of the animals’ life chain. A functioning AIT system can also facilitate food traceability and serve as the basis for improved trade of animals and animal species. To this end, the project has supported countries with the revision of their national legal frameworks to develop and implement AIT system, including the development of draft model legislation.

Objective of the workshop

The FAO presented the main outcomes of the legal component of the project, discussed and validated the model AIT regulation.

Similar workshops will be conducted in four other Caribbean countries namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The team is scheduled to visit our twin island state on Monday 13th November while here, they will be conducting a stakeholders meeting followed by site visits to the veterinary farm located in Paynters and a private farm located in the Newfield area.

“This project will be a great benefit to Antigua and Barbuda also the Caribbean region on a whole as it entails the use of a comprehensive database system which supports the traceability of the livestock animals and their byproducts. This system even includes a Pet module that can trace domestic species. The legislative framework workshop was very productive and informative as it addressed not only the regional legislation but Antigua and Barbuda National legislation as it pertains to animal traceability and registration. It highlighted the areas that we need to improve on so as to have the necessary laws in place to be effective and beneficial to the livestock farmers within Antigua and Barbuda”, Thomas explained.

“I would like to emphasize that this project is a significant step in updating the Ministry’s legal framework. With the Permanent Secretary’s mandate, we will continue to seek opportunities to enhance the agricultural legal framework, ultimately supporting the Ministry’s objectives for food production and producer welfare”, Mr. Francis added.