Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced a $5 million Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate earlier this week.

"I have always maintained that any traceability programming in Saskatchewan should be voluntary and directed by the industry," Bjornerud said. "This program will help our livestock industry move forward with voluntary traceability."

The Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate will provide rebates of up to 70 per cent of eligible costs for the purchase and/or lease of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) handheld and panel readers. Funding is also available for training, software, installation and facility modifications relating to the use of RFID readers.Cattle, bison, sheep, goat, hog and cervid producers, feedlots, backgrounders, veterinary clinics, meat processors, assembly yards, privately managed community pastures, fairs and exhibitions are eligible for a 70 per cent rebate, to a maximum rebate of $50,000 per facility for all eligible items combined.Auction marts may receive a 70 per cent rebate, to a maximum rebate of $100,000 for all eligible items combined."Saskatchewan cattle producers appreciate Minister Bjornerud's leadership and efforts to make certain that the implementation of traceability occurs in a manner that does not place excessive costs on producers," Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association President Jack Hextall said. "This type of voluntary program provides cattle producers the opportunity to prepare for the realities facing our industry and ensures that Saskatchewan will not be left behind other jurisdictions as livestock traceability moves forward."

"We appreciate the provincial government moving forward on traceability on a voluntary basis," Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Calvin Knoss said. "Today's announcement will help livestock producers participate in a traceability system that is ultimately working toward increasing Canada's share of beef sales worldwide."

"Saskatchewan's hog producers recognize the importance of a national traceability system for our customers and business," SaskPork President Joe Kleinsasser said. "While we have been working with the Canadian Pork Council on a national system, the provinces contribution will significantly help with the implementation of traceability in Saskatchewan."Applications and further details are available on the Ministry of Agriculture's website atwww.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, through the Ministry of Agriculture's 10 regional offices, or by calling toll-free 1-877-874-5365.The rebate is retroactive to April 1, 2009. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2013.The Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate is part of the federal-provincial Growing Forward suite of programs.