Minister Presents to Federal Committee on Agriculture

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Minister Presents to Federal Committee on Agriculture

Government has an important role in the future of agriculture as it moves toward more partnerships with industry to resolve issues and capture opportunities, said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Mr. Fage delivered this message during his presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on Tuesday, March 19.

"This was a good opportunity to talk about the future role of government and how best to serve the agriculture industry, Nova Scotians and Canadians in general," said Mr. Fage.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri- Food has met with ministers of agriculture, farmers and others interested in the agri-food sector as part of a national study on the future role of government in agriculture. The committee travelled to Truro on Tuesday to hear from Nova Scotians.

Mr. Fage talked about the desire to have government and industry work more closely.

"Government should continue to provide research and information to industry so they can make good business decisions," said Mr. Fage. "Governments usually have greater resources for research and it is important to provide that information to our industry. There is a very significant leadership role we must provide to ensure public health and safety through regulations and legislation."

Mr. Fage has been delivering messages on agriculture to national counterparts and addressed the Senate Committee on Agriculture earlier in March. In May, Mr. Fage will co-chair the Canada/U.S./Mexico Tri-National Agricultural Accord meetings in Arizona.

In June, Mr. Fage and federal Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief will co-chair the national meeting of agriculture ministers in Halifax. They will discuss the future of agriculture in Canada and work accomplished on the Agriculture Policy Framework by federal, provincial and territorial governments.