The document discusses the Food Safety Modernization Act in the US and its potential impacts on Ontario's agriculture and food processing industries. It proposes creating a private-public partnership to implement a new approach and disruptive technology using RFID, barcodes, and other real-time tracking methods. This would allow ingredients to be traced one step up and down the supply chain to contain any potential issues, as required by the US law. The partnership would develop and pilot a software program to test the new tracking system and evaluate its effectiveness.

1. The Food Safety Modernization Act A Modest Proposal General Discovery

2. Ontario Mandate Ensure food produced in Ontario is safe,

3. Contribute to a cleaner environment by supporting enhanced nutrient management practices and bio-fuels,

4. Create a more competitive business climate for the agri-food industry,

5. Support increased investment in jobs in rural communities, the food processing industry and in the bio-economy,

6. Promote and market Ontario’s agri-food products,

7. Provide leadership to innovation in research, and

8. Transfer leading-edge technology to farmers.

9. Ag Trade 1.9 per cent of GDP

10. Food processors are Canada’s third largest group within manufacturing industries

11. The agriculture and agri-food system contributed $87.9 billion (constant 1997 dollars) 51% of exports to US

12. Jobs 2.1 million Canadians in 2006 About 259,500 employees, or 15% of all manufacturing workers more than in any other part of manufacturing—were in the food, beverage and tobacco industry in 2007

14. The Food Safety Modernization Act US Federal law requires food companies to maintain records that would allow investigators to follow ingredients one step up or down the supply chain. http://www.just-food.com/news/congress-gives-final-approval-to-food-safety-bill_id113665.aspx?d=1

15. Impact

16. Impact of Recalls US recalls can be devasting to the food sector