Increasing registration

On July 1, 2022, the Premises Identification Regulation came into effect and made registration mandatory for all owners and operators of premises with regulated species of poultry and livestock. However, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, not all owners and operators have registered. The ministry identified increasing registration as important for ensuring the reliability of information provided to animal health officials and emergency responders.

Reliability of information provided by owners and operators

During an animal disease event or other emergency, animal health officials and emergency responders can use Premises ID information to know who to contact, the types and number of animals under threat, and their location. This information can be used to plan and coordinate a response, and to rapidly notify affected owners and operators.

Owners and operators can register for a Premises ID account directly with the ministry either online or by completing and submitting a paper form. The Premises Identification Regulation also requires owners and operators to update their account information when it changes.

The ministry lacked adequate processes to ensure the reliability of information provided by owners and operators

What we looked for

We assessed whether the ministry’s registration system collected all the information required by the Premises Identification Regulation when owners and operators registered directly with the ministry. The regulation required owners and operators to provide contact information, the location of their premises, their relationship to the owner of the land (e.g., owner or renter), the type of operation, business name and type (if applicable), and the species on the premises, including the maximum capacity for each species.

We also assessed whether the ministry had processes to verify the accuracy of the information owners and operators provided and to ensure the information was up to date.

Learn more about the audit criteria.

What we found

Registration system captured most of the required information

We found that the ministry’s online registration system required owners and operators to enter most of the information required by the Premises Identification Regulation.

The ministry’s registration system included mandatory fields for:

• contact information;
• the location of premises;
• the type of operation; and
• the relationship to the owner of the land (e.g., owner or renter).

The system also required registrants to enter information on species present and maximum capacity for each species kept on the premises, but we found the following gaps:

• The system was missing dedicated fields for eight of the 38 species listed in the regulation, however there was an “other” field where these species could be entered.
• Registration instructions provided conflicting definitions of how owners and operators should estimate maximum capacity.

While the system did have an optional field for “business name,” it did not have a field for owners or operators to provide their business type (i.e., incorporated company, non-profit, etc.) despite it being required by the regulation.

Ministry processes didn’t ensure that information was accurate and up to date

We found the ministry didn’t have adequate processes to ensure the reliability of Premises ID information provided by owners and operators. We found gaps in the ministry’s processes for verifying accuracy and ensuring information was up to date.

For new registrations, the ministry’s verification processes included checks on the accuracy of contact and location information, but there were no checks for the other required information. For example, there was no expectation for staff to follow-up when owners and operators entered “zero” as their maximum capacity, despite declaring they had animals on the premises.

The ministry also had procedures for checking the accuracy of some of the information contained in the Premises ID database. For example, they could check the spatial location of premises and the legal boundaries. However, there was no schedule for how often staff should check for errors, and the ministry didn’t keep records to monitor if staff had completed checks or fixed data errors.

The ministry emailed account holders once every two years to ask them to update their account information if required or confirm its accuracy. The ministry lacked a process for updating accounts that didn’t have valid email addresses.

We found the ministry’s process didn’t ensure information was up to date. We reviewed all account information in the Premises ID database on Dec. 3, 2024. We found that of the 8,664 owners or operators who had directly registered with the ministry, 1,699 (20%) had not confirmed their information in the last two years. We also found that 314 (4%) had not been notified to update and/or confirm their information despite being in the database for more than two years.

Why this matters

Effective animal disease and emergency management requires reliable information. It needs to be complete, accurate, and up to date. Without adequate processes to ensure reliable information, there are risks to the quality of information that health officials and emergency responders rely on to help protect poultry and livestock.

Recommendations

3. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food ensure the registration process collects all enrolment information required by the Premises Identification Regulation.
4. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food implement processes for staff to resolve errors in the Premises ID database at regular intervals and keep a record of this work.
5. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food refine its process for updating and/or confirming information provided by owners and operators to:
   • follow up on accounts with no valid email address; and
   • respond to instances where account holders haven’t replied to ministry requests for updating/confirming their information.

See the response from the auditee.

Reliability of information provided by producer organizations

The Premises Identification Regulation allows members of six producer organizations to provide their enrolment information to their producer organization who then provides it to the ministry.

The ministry has information-sharing agreements with the six producer organizations. According to the agreements, producer organizations must provide their members’ enrolment information to the ministry, and they are required to review and update their members’ information.

The agreements state that the ministry intends to support the producer organizations to validate and maintain the accuracy of their members’ Premises ID information.

Information sharing

The Animal Health Act and the Premises Identification Regulation require that information collected for the Premises ID program is protected and only shared for specified purposes. The ministry must safeguard this information and ensure that it is only shared as allowed by the act and regulation.

The ministry lacked adequate guidance for staff about sharing Premises ID information

What we looked for

We assessed whether the ministry had guidance for staff to share Premises ID information according to legal requirements. We looked for guidance that provided staff with direction about who could receive Premises ID information and when it could be shared.

Learn more about the audit criteria.

What we found

The Animal Health Act and Premises Identification Regulation allow the ministry to share information:

• to protect animal health and to respond to animal disease events;
• for the purpose of administering a traceability program; and,
• to support emergency planning and response as defined by the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

We found the ministry didn’t have adequate guidance for staff to share Premises ID information according to legal requirements. The ministry’s guidance didn’t adequately identify when and with whom information could be shared.

For sharing information for emergency management, the ministry had general instructions for staff to only share detailed Premises ID information (e.g., contact information, specific location) with certain emergency responders during an active evacuation alert or order.

Staff were also instructed to only share aggregated information (i.e., total number of premises in areas and total number of poultry and livestock) with regional districts for emergency planning purposes. This is permitted by the act and regulation.

All other types of information requests received by the ministry were to be sent to Premises ID staff for review. However, there was no additional guidance for Premises ID staff about how to deal with those requests.

The ministry stated it was drafting new guidance for staff about what information can be shared to support emergency preparedness and planning.

For animal disease management, the established practice was to give the provincial Office of the Chief Veterinarian and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency any information they requested. This practice is permitted under the Animal Health Act. However, the ministry lacked documented guidance that clearly outlined expectations for fulfilling this type of request including what information can be shared, when, and with whom.

Why this matters

Without adequate guidance for staff about who can have access to Premises ID information and when it can be shared, there’s a risk that staff will either share information when it’s not permitted by the Animal Health Act and the Premises Identification Regulation, or they will withhold information that should be shared. There’s also a risk that information-sharing will be inefficient because of the additional time needed for staff to determine whether information can be shared.

Recommendation

7. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food implement guidance for ministry staff that includes information on the appropriate access, use, and disclosure of Premises ID information according to the Animal Health Act and the Premises Identification Regulation.

See the response from the auditee.

Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food use additional sources of information to develop an estimate of the number and types of owners and operators who aren’t registered in the Premises ID program.

Recommendation 1 response: The ministry agrees. While no single source captures every agricultural premise in British Columbia, we are taking deliberate steps to better estimate and close registration gaps. Since 2024, program improvements and targeted outreach have increased registrations by 15%—nearly 1,800 new accounts—strengthening our understanding of where animals are kept. Building on this progress, we are developing a consistent method that integrates information from the Census of Agriculture, commodity organizations, industry partners, and mapping tools to identify unregistered sites and focus on higher-risk sectors. This work is a key priority under the Emergency Management Branch plan and is being advanced collaboratively with other provinces through the Western Province PID Alliance, positioning B.C. as a national leader in traceability and animal health preparedness. A new estimation methodology is being developed for pilot testing beginning in 2026, followed by phased implementation in subsequent years. These actions will enhance data accuracy, improve outreach efficiency, and strengthen B.C.’s readiness for emergency response.

Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food develop and implement a plan to increase registration among owners and operators identified as priorities. The plan should include roles and responsibilities, activities, and timelines.

Recommendation 2 response: The ministry agrees. Since 2024, we have been transitioning from broad public awareness to a more targeted, data-driven outreach approach. Building on lessons from emergency responses and registration trends, we are planning new campaigns with municipalities and regional districts and expanding engagement with Indigenous emergency coordinators to reach under-represented producers. Outreach continues through Emergency Preparedness Week, agricultural fairs, and industry events, helping ensure producers across the province understand registration requirements. The next phase will focus on higher-risk species and operations that are vital to local food security while remaining adaptable to emerging risks. The ministry already links registration to some agricultural grant and support programs and is reviewing these mechanisms to ensure they consistently reinforce registration as a standard practice for livestock producers. A comprehensive outreach and compliance strategy is being finalized and aligned with the Emergency Management Branch plan. Implementation will begin in 2026, with progress reviewed and reported annually through the outreach plan. These coordinated efforts will strengthen traceability, enhance emergency readiness, and ensure that all sectors of B.C.’s livestock industry are informed, included, and prepared.

Recommendation 3: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food ensure the registration process collects all enrolment information required by the Premises Identification Regulation.

Recommendation 3 response: The ministry agrees. The registration system already collects most of the information required under the Premises Identification Regulation, and recent system improvements have strengthened both data quality and usability. Several remaining elements are under review to ensure they provide value for producers and regulators alike. This includes assessing the need for additional species fields and developing a “dormant premises” option to capture temporarily inactive sites without over-reporting. The ministry is also reviewing the reintroduction of the “business type” field to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements while keeping the process straightforward for registrants. Broader data-governance improvements—such as clearer field naming, improved validation checks, and updated user guidance—are helping ensure consistency across the system. Modernization work is continuing to make forms easier to complete and reports faster to generate, reducing administrative effort for both staff and producers. Together, these initiatives will ensure the system continues to evolve to capture all required information and support accurate, accessible data for emergency planning and animal health management across B.C.

Recommendation 4: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food implement processes for staff to resolve errors in the Premises ID database at regular intervals and keep a record of this work.

Recommendation 4 response: The ministry agrees. While staff have long monitored data quality, we are now formalizing a more consistent and transparent process for identifying and correcting errors. Since 2024, we have improved how data inconsistencies are detected through new internal checks and clearer workflows, reducing manual effort and improving response time. Lessons from wildfire and avian-influenza responses have informed the design of these procedures so they better reflect real-world emergency needs. Regular data-integrity reviews are being designed as part of routine operations, supported by stronger documentation to ensure traceable and repeatable corrections. Additional improvements—such as automated alerts, standardized templates, and internal guidance—are being developed through an ongoing improvement project. These actions will be phased in as part of normal operations to ensure sustainability and continuous refinement over time. The goal is a predictable, well-documented verification process that keeps information accurate and ready for use during animal-health or emergency events.

Recommendation 5 response: The ministry agrees. Keeping registration information current is essential for effective emergency response. Biennial email confirmations are already used, and since 2024 we have broadened this process by collaborating with municipalities, commodity boards, and producer associations to reach registrants through multiple channels. We are improving follow-up on accounts with invalid contact details and creating a more consistent process for non-responses. Work is also underway to introduce automated confirmation notices when accounts become active and to test mailed or phone-based outreach options for registrants without internet access. These activities are part of a continuous-improvement initiative that balances efficiency with accessibility for producers across the province. Updates will continue to be rolled out in stages as technology and capacity allow. Together, these measures will strengthen contact accuracy and ensure that participation in the Premises ID program remains straightforward, responsive, and ready to support emergency communication when needed.

Recommendation 6: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food work with producer organizations to ensure they provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information as required by the Premises Identification Regulation and information-sharing agreements.

Recommendation 6 response: The ministry agrees. Producer organizations play a vital role in maintaining accurate and current registration data. Existing information-sharing agreements with poultry, dairy, and pork boards already define responsibilities for keeping member records up to date. Since 2024, the ministry has reviewed board data-maintenance practices and increased coordination following lessons learned during avian-influenza responses. Work is underway to clarify reporting expectations, improve timeliness of updates, and formalize how annual data reviews are documented. The ministry is also developing a monitoring approach that is being designed to provide regular feedback to boards without adding unnecessary administrative burden. Collaboration through the Western Province PID Alliance continues to align verification practices across provinces and share successful approaches. These improvements are being phased in collaboratively to complement existing board processes and respect industry capacity. The result will be stronger data integrity, greater accountability, and a more unified approach to traceability and emergency readiness across B.C.’s livestock sectors.

Recommendation 7: We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food implement guidance for ministry staff that includes information on the appropriate access, use, and disclosure of Premises ID information according to the Animal Health Act and the Premises Identification Regulation.

Recommendation 7 response: The ministry agrees. Clear, consistent guidance helps staff share information appropriately while protecting privacy and confidentiality. While established practice already exists for sharing data with the Chief Veterinarian and federal partners, the ministry is formalizing this through a comprehensive Information Sharing Policy with supporting procedures, reference tools, and staff training. Draft materials are complete and are being refined based on feedback from emergency and disease-response teams. Interim resources—including legal reference sheets and disclosure checklists—remain in use to ensure continuity. Work is also underway with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other provinces to harmonize geospatial and traceability-data protocols. Implementation of the new guidance will be phased in through training and internal communications beginning in 2026, allowing staff time to adapt. This approach ensures information is shared consistently, securely, and in accordance with legislation while reinforcing B.C.’s leadership in responsible agricultural data management.

Line of Enquiry 1: Closing the Gaps in Registration

Criteria:

1.1 The ministry had information on the number of premises to identify registration gaps.

1.2 The ministry had identified which poultry and livestock owners/operators (e.g., operator type, priority species, or region) to prioritize to increase registration.

1.3 The ministry implemented activities to increase registration of poultry and livestock owners/operators identified as a priority.

Line of Enquiry 2: Ensuring Quality Information

Criteria:

2.1 The ministry’s information systems collected all required information.

2.1.1: The system collected person’s name and contact information.

2.1.2: The system collected location of premises.

2.1.3: The system collected relationship to owner of the land on which the premises is located.

2.1.4: The system collected description of type of operation that is carried out with respect to animals kept or dealt with on the premises.

2.1.5: The system collected, if a business is carried out on the premises, the business name and type.

2.1.6: The system collected the species of animal kept, and, for each species, the maximum capacity of the premises.

2.2 The ministry ensured producer organizations provided all required information.

2.2.1: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided person’s name and contact information.

2.2.2: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided location of premises.

2.2.3: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided relationship to owner of the land on which the premises is located.

2.2.4: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided description of type of operation that is carried out with respect to animals kept or dealt with on the premises.

2.2.5: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided, if a business is carried out on the premises, the business name and type.

2.2.6: The ministry ensured producer organizations provided the species of animal kept, and, for each species, the maximum capacity of the premises.

2.3 The ministry had processes in place to maintain the reliability of Premises ID data provided directly by owners/operators of sites.

2.3.1: The ministry had processes in place to verify the accuracy of this data.

2.3.2: The ministry had processes in place to ensure this data is updated.

2.4 The ministry had processes in place to ensure the reliability of Premises ID data provided by producer organizations.

2.4.1: The ministry had processes in place to verify the accuracy of this data.

2.4.2: The ministry had processes in place to ensure this data is updated.

Line of Enquiry 3: Data Access and Sharing

Criteria:

3.1 The ministry had guidance for staff about sharing Premises ID information according to legal requirements.

3.1.1: The guidance provided direction about who staff can share Premises ID information with.

3.1.2: The guidance provided direction about when the Premises ID information can be shared.