Ministers Discuss Extending Initiatives

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage and his fellow agriculture ministers discussed the immediate income problems of producers and a range of other challenges facing the Canadian agri-food industry during a day and a half of meetings in Quebec City.

There was a full and frank exchange on income issues and short- term support to farmers, with the federal and provincial ministers and a representative from the Yukon agreeing more discussion is necessary.

Regarding the additional $500 million recently announced by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief, Mr. Fage said he was pleased that the importance of agriculture was recognized across the country, including Nova Scotia.

He indicated that through discussion with industry and the federal government he was confident an agreement would be reached on how the approximate $4.5 million in federal funding would be used in Nova Scotia.

Ministers discussed the need for a long-term strategy to ensure the sector was well placed to take advantage of future opportunities. They agreed on the urgency of working toward a comprehensive policy that will ensure security through research and innovation, and the management of risks.

Ministers acknowledged that consumers are raising the bar in respect to the food they purchase, demanding assurances of its safety and the environmental impact of its production process.

Working groups of officials considered how to build on Canada’s solid reputation for food safety and environmental sustainability. They also assessed the package of safety-net programs and other tools farmers need to adjust to market changes.

Ministers emphasized that producers are central to any long-term strategy for the agri-food sector and that they will be consulted and full partners in the development of any framework.

Ministers were updated on the status of the agriculture negotiations at the World Trade Organization in Geneva. Also relating to trade, ministers acknowledged the role P.E.I. potato growers have played in ensuring Canadian potatoes were not completely shut out of the U.S. market as a result of the potato- wart situation.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials updated the ministers on federal measures to prevent the introduction of foot and mouth disease into Canada. The ministers were united in support of stringent measures to keep this disease out of the country.

The annual meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers will take place in June in Whitehorse.