First OIE International Conference
on Animal Identification and Traceability
«From Farm to Fork»
Buenos Aires (Argentina), 23 - 25 March 2009

The OIE is pleased to announce the First OIE International Conference on Animal Identification and Traceability, which will take place in Buenos Aires (Argentina) with the kind agreement of the National Food Safety and Quality Service of Argentina (SENASA) and the Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Argentina. The purpose of the Conference is to support the implementation of the relevant international standards for identification and traceability in live animals and animal products globally. The Conference will feature presentations from speakers representing international organisations, national Veterinary Services, agencies involved in animal products, the private sector (producers, processors, distributors and industry), consumer organisations and providers of technology and services relevant to animal identification and traceability.

The benefits of identification and traceability for animal health, disease control, food safety and quality including labeling, genetic selection and control over trade will be discussed. The experiences and perspectives of countries and sectors that have implemented animal identification and traceability will be presented and practical examples used to explain how the international standards can be implemented in a cost effective manner in consultation with stakeholders.

The objectives that the Conference will aim to achieve in the various sequential sessions are as follow:

	Raise international awareness of the relevant international standards published by the OIE and the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the bridge between the traceability of live animals and the traceability of products
	Give practical information and technical advice on how to implement these standards in different industry sectors and national contexts
	Review the latest experiences in public and private identification and traceability programmes with reference to the relevant international standards
	Provide practical advice and examples to help national Veterinary Services and other agencies to play their appropriate role in regard to animal identification and traceability
	Identify the kind of support that can be provided by international organisations and donors to Veterinary Services and interested parties operating in developing countries, as appropriate to their needs, as regards the implementation of the OIE and Codex standards
	Launch a discussion on the future needs for international standards
	Discuss priorities and propose approaches to research and development relevant to animal identification and traceability.

Approximately 500 participants are expected to attend, including:

	OIE National Delegates and other national government representatives
	Representatives of international standard-setting and economic development organisations
	Representatives of the private sector (producers, processors, distributors and industry) and agencies that are involved in animal identification and traceability
	Multinational food companies.

The Conference will take place over 3 days, comprising keynote speakers and Ministerial Statements on day 1, technical presentations on days 1, 2 and 3 and a panel discussion and the Conference Resolutions on day 3.

The Conference proceedings will be published, and a copy will be provided to each registered participant.