Attestra 25 ans - Ligne du temps

2001 to 2002

Emerging from a pivotal collaboration, Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ) takes on a colossal challenge: meeting new regulatory requirements by designing and deploying a bovine identification system capable of complying with the highest international standards.

2003 to 2004

In the midst of an unprecedented global health crisis and at a time when technologies are rapidly evolving, the organization demonstrates its ability to adapt, innovate, and gradually expand the scope of its activities.

2019 to 2020

In a context of major transition, both locally and globally, ATQ accelerates the development of targeted solutions, enters new sectors, and designs tools that reinforce its position as a leader in traceability. These developments are reflected in its new identity: Attestra.

2010 to 2014

With the introduction of Ultraflex identifiers and the testing of a traceability model covering the entire marketing chain, ATQ evolves its practices while strengthening its key role in food safety initiatives across Canada.

2008 to 2009

Upgrading of tools, integration of a new species, and the launch of a major technological project: the organization begins a transformation that strengthens the robustness and agility of its infrastructure.

2022 to 2026

Driven by new strategic mandates ranging from antimicrobial resistance to artificial intelligence and engaged in a major technological and regulatory modernization effort, Attestra continues to evolve by developing solutions that further expand its role in traceability across Québec.

2016 to 2018

Through the modernization of an electronic data entry tool and the complete redesign of its digital environment, ATQ embarks on a new phase of technological advancement to meet the sector’s emerging needs.

Now and in the Future

The next chapter in Attestra’s story will continue to be written with the same commitment to innovation and collaboration. Driven by new technologies, increasing data’s added value, and an unwavering commitment to security, Attestra is preparing to enter a new stage in its evolution.

1989 to 2000

At the end of the 20th century, a succession of health crises shakes global markets. In Québec, these crises trigger a collective awareness and bring together stakeholders from the agri-food sector around a shared objective: adopting a structured and coordinated approach to livestock traceability.

1989 to 1998

At the end of the 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the world experiences a series of health crises. From 1989 to 1998, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as “mad cow disease”, first affects the United Kingdom before spreading across Europe. In 1997, Asia faces foot-and-mouth disease, while the Netherlands and Belgium are hit by swine fever. That same year, avian influenza emerges in the United States amid a context of expanding global markets.

March 1998

As part of the Conference on Agriculture and Agri-Food, decision-makers from Québec’s agri-food sector participate in major strategic discussions that lead to a range of mobilizing initiatives. At the same time, MAPAQ develops new regulations intended to govern the implementation of a “farm-to-table” traceability system, designed to fundamentally transform existing practices in response to emerging health concerns.

2000

The adoption of new provincial legislation and the planned implementation of federal regulations requiring mandatory bovine identification accelerate mobilization across the sector. In response to Ottawa’s requirements, MAPAQ and the Union des producteurs agricoles agree to join forces and create a collective structure in the form of a non-profit organization. The Government of Québec subsequently confirms an investment of $21.5 million over three years in its March 29, 2001 budget to support the implementation of an identification and traceability system.

September 2001

The result of a partnership between the government and agricultural producers, ATQ is created on September 25, 2001 with the mission of developing, implementing, and operating a system for the identification and traceability of agricultural and livestock products in order to contribute to improved food safety and strengthen the competitive position of Québec producers.

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November 2001

ATQ receives its first mandate: implementing traceability within the bovine sector. The system not only meets Canadian bovine identification requirements but also incorporates additional elements enabling the creation of an internationally recognized traceability chain, from the farm to the slaughterhouse. The system ensures the identification of each animal at birth, the activation of identifiers and confirmation of the animal’s presence at a defined production premises, as well as the declaration of all animals when they enter onto a premises. It also allows declarations submitted on paper to be integrated into a fully digital technological architecture.

The implementation of this system represents a major undertaking carried out over several months, and on June 19, 2002, the challenge is fully met. ATQ proudly announces the activation of more than 1.1 million bovine tags, a major achievement made possible through the involvement of agricultural producers and the dedication of employees. During the weekend preceding the launch, employees work around the clock to register all the data provided by producers and ensure the proper functioning of six fax machines.

January 2002

An agreement is signed with Allflex, a company specializing in livestock identification, which becomes the sole supplier of official bovine identification tags. During the same year, the company chooses to invest in Québec by announcing the construction of a production facility in Saint-Hyacinthe.

April 2002

The coming into force of the Regulation respecting the identification of bovine animals marks a decisive step in the implementation of Quebec’s traceability system.

October 2002

Automation of data collection and transfers progresses with the launch of the ATQ Direct transactional website, which now allows producers to complete their declarations online.

November 2002

During a joint announcement in the fall of 2002, the Fédération des producteurs d’agneaux et moutons du Québec (FPAMQ) and ATQ unveil the launch of a pilot traceability project for ovine production and apply the first ear tags to Québec flocks. The following year, during their annual general meeting, FPAMQ members adopt a resolution supporting the implementation of an identification and traceability system for sheep production beginning in 2004.

May 2003

Canada confirms its first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), creating shockwaves around the world. Borders immediately close to Canadian livestock, resulting in losses estimated at $7 billion (equivalent to more than $10 billion in 2026 dollars). Québec’s traceability system, which makes the declaration of animal birth dates mandatory, subsequently plays a decisive role in the reopening of Canadian beef exports to Japan in 2005.

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November 2003

The deployment of a new telephone system now links the ATQ database to incoming and outgoing calls, improving the efficiency of request processing.

January 2004

A new identifier marking system becomes available, giving bovine producers the option of printing herd management numbers on their tag sets through an expanded blank space designed to accommodate farm-specific information. At the same time, several pilot projects relating to tag retention are carried out. Since 2002, different generations of improved tags have been developed and marketed to optimize performance.

February 2004

Beginning in January 2004, all Canadian cervid breeders registered in the National Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Certification Program are required to equip their animals with double identification bearing a unique number. In this context, the Association cerfs rouges du Québec (ACRQ) approaches ATQ in October 2003 to establish this identification system in partnership with the organization. A pilot project for cervid identification and traceability therefore begins in February 2004 and concludes the following year.

Following successful results and a request submitted to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in November 2005 by the ACRQ and the Association des éleveurs de wapitis du Québec (AEWQ), the CFIA recognizes the double identification system offered by ATQ as an official identifier for its CWD certification program, replacing the “H of A” metal tag.

March 2004

The coming into force of the Regulation respecting the identification of ovines is accompanied by a major flock identification effort carried out from May to December 2004. During this period, ATQ works closely with the Fédération des producteurs d’agneaux et moutons du Québec to develop herd management software enabling the entry of information required for traceability purposes.

June 2004

Building on its initial experiences, the organization establishes a development plan that includes projects in the cervid and table egg sectors, the creation of an IT disaster recovery plan, and various pilot initiatives, including one focused on the retention and quality of electronic identifiers and visual panels for housed cattle, as well as another dedicated to transportation.

January 2008

In 2007–2008, ATQ improves its software for electronic forms to integrate the new functionalities of handheld electronic readers, including Bluetooth technology. Now compatible with RFID readers, the tool enables online completion and submission of forms. At the same time, ATQ undertakes a repositioning initiative to select a new name and create a visual identity for its software, which officially becomes FormClic.

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February 2009

Amendments to Québec regulations come into force, making it possible to include all animals belonging to the Cervidae family. These adjustments aim to ensure the identification of all captive cervids and the tracking of their movements.

September 2009

Development of Agri-Trace™ Web begins in the fall of 2009. It becomes the cornerstone of SimpliTRACE and the largest project undertaken by ATQ since its creation. This ambitious initiative is based on two complementary components: first, Agri-Trace™, a new modular traceability software platform fully web-based; second, a reengineering process designed to adapt the former system to the new environment, with the objective of gradually transitioning from MenuATQ to Agri-Trace™ in order to optimize maintenance, technology management, training, and product evolution. This new environment enables the collection, sorting, and storage of data related to livestock and premises identification, as well as the declaration of events.

September 2010

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The Québec beef traceability pilot project begins with the objective of covering the entire journey of the animal from slaughterhouse to retailer in order to provide a realistic overview of traceability within the sector. The project aims to propose, test, and validate a model integrating harmonized information across all stages of the marketing chain. Trials conducted in various production sectors demonstrate that implementing such a system is entirely feasible and contributes to ensuring food safety.

March 2011

ATQ introduces a new generation of Ultraflex identifiers for bovines. Designed to provide improved retention rates, these identifiers are available in both HDX and FDX technologies, both compatible with all electronic readers distributed by ATQ as well as with electronic reading tools used throughout the traceability chain, particularly in auction markets and slaughterhouses.

February 2012

ATQ and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) sign a joint letter demonstrating their commitment to establishing a complete multi-species traceability service across Canada. During 2012, ATQ actively participates in the analysis and coordination work undertaken for the development of Canadian Livestock Traceability Services (CLTS). The project is ultimately abandoned in 2016.

July 2014

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ATQ launches PigTRACE, in partnership with the Canadian Pork Council. This program forms part of the national Canadian Pork Excellence platform, which also includes PigSAFE and PigCARE.

January 2016

The SimpliTRACE Express module now replaces the FormClic tool. It allows identification numbers to be entered using an electronic reader and transferred directly to the SimpliTRACE declaration application.

March 2016

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ATQ launches SimpliTRACE, a new platform for managing traceability data for regulated livestock species in Québec. More efficient and future-oriented, it creates an opportunity to review and optimize the organization’s business rules and processes.

March 2017

A bovine identifier exchange program is implemented to replace older-generation identifiers still present in inventories across Québec farms with more efficient Ultraflex identifiers designed to improve retention.

September 2017

The SimpliTRACE Mobile application is launched, enabling Québec producers to complete their traceability declarations more easily using Android phones. The application becomes available on iOS smartphones in May 2019.

September 2018

An online purchasing module is deployed, allowing SimpliTRACE users to order identifiers directly through their accounts for simplified transactions.

September 2019

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The Sustainable Beef technological solution is developed through an agreement between the Producteurs de bovins du Québec and ATQ. The initiative aims to implement a module enabling the identification of farms certified under the Sustainable Beef (VBP+) program. The project unfolds in two phases: the first focuses on the creation of a dedicated module within SimpliTRACE, while the second aims to establish a web service.

October 2019

The Québec premises identification portal is developed by ATQ, making it the sole official digital gateway enabling agri-food enterprises to obtain a premises number compliant with regulatory traceability requirements. This mandate is entrusted by MAPAQ, which oversees the initiative.

April 2020

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Development of Traces Québec officially begins in the spring of 2020 following a mandate from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) to design and manage an IT system ensuring the traceability of excavated contaminated soils. Compliant with Québec’s new regulatory requirements, Traces Québec becomes a practical and reliable tool for project managers and owners responsible for contaminated soils.

October 2020

Following close collaboration with supplier Allflex, improvements are made to Ultraflex identifiers to increase retention performance. The upper portion is redesigned to provide greater resistance during insertion through the animal’s ear, and the identifier is now doubled around the male section, ensuring greater stability around the ear opening.

At the same time, the DairyTrace solution is launched. Administered by Lactanet Canada in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), it constitutes a centralized data management system used as part of the national dairy cattle traceability programme.

November 2020

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Toward the end of the year, development of Alatrace begins, and this companion animal registry is gradually implemented the following year. Designed specifically to support municipalities, this system enables them to meet the obligations set out in the Regulation respecting the application of the Act to promote the protection of persons by establishing a framework with regards to dogs.

December 2020

Agri-Traçabilité Québec officially becomes Attestra following a strategic planning exercise and consultations with founding partners. This change reflects the vision of an organization rapidly distinguishing itself through the efficient design and management of identification and traceability systems. Traditionally focused on livestock, traceability now extends to multiple sectors, notably the environment through monitoring of contaminated soil transportation, municipalities through companion animal oversight, and a range of activities connected to societal expectations and challenges such as product origin and authenticity, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and animal welfare.

January 2022

Development of the AntibiotiQC platform begins following a mandate entrusted by MAPAQ to Attestra to design an IT solution enabling the collection and use of data related to antibiotic sales and distribution in the livestock, companion animal, and recreational animal sectors. The monitoring data collected is used to guide policies related to combating antimicrobial resistance.

August 2024

The implementation of the project “Artificial Intelligence in Service of Traceability” takes place with the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The project aims to develop artificial intelligence models designed to improve the quality of traceability data and optimize its use. Three models are developed: determining deceased animals within the database, identifying premises behaviours, and predicting animal movements.

September 2024

The new MAXI identifier becomes available for the bovine sector. It features a larger visual panel, enabling improved identification and easier reading in the field.

June 2025

The process of revising Attestra’s governance structure and by-laws is completed following work carried out from 2023 to June 2025. In this context, the composition of the organization’s active members is modified to integrate MELCCFP. The revision is adopted by the Board of Directors on June 6, 2025 and subsequently ratified during the following annual general meeting.

October 2025

inline Rectangle The Cloud Transformation Project (CTP) unfolds in two components. The first consists of migrating solutions to cloud infrastructure, while the second focuses on modifying source code and technological solutions in order to integrate new technology frameworks.

March 2026

The residual hazardous materials traceability project is launched following a mandate entrusted by MELCCFP to develop and manage an IT system enabling the tracking of these materials in compliance with proposed regulatory requirements. The solution aims to provide a reliable and structured tool supporting the management and monitoring of these sensitive material flows.

The continuation of Attestra’s mandates will proceed in accordance with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Collaboration with partners will continue, supported by constant technological evolution, notably through the adoption of cloud-based solutions. Efforts to leverage the added value from data will intensify, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence, while data security will remain central to all developments and day-to-day traceability activities.