Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I don't want to take time away from the witnesses, but I do want to read a notice of motion that we'll bring forward at another date.
It states:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food conduct a pre-budget study on concerns around debt in the agriculture sector and the effect of debt on 1) young farmers and generational transfer of farms, 2) start-up farms operating for 10 years or less and 3) the ability to expand farming operations; that departmental officials be in attendance for at least one meeting; that this study be comprised of no less than four meetings to be held at the committee's earliest convenience in order that the Committee may report its findings and recommendations to the House prior to Parliament being adjourned for Christmas break on December 16, 2016.
We will bring that forward at a later date.
I still have a couple of questions for the witnesses.
We've had a traceability project going on for quite a while in beef, and it has been a great source of frustration to beef producers. I don't know if it could be messed up any worse than it is.
I'm just wondering if you can talk a little bit about traceability and the development of these new technologies, as well as the importance of a good system that doesn't put us at a disadvantage to other producers.