Agriculture Ministers Work Toward Formal Agreement

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Agriculture Ministers Work Toward Formal Agreement

Canada's agriculture ministers have made progress toward signing an umbrella agreement on their proposed agricultural policy framework. The signing is expected to take place next month at the ministers' annual meeting in Halifax.

"In spite of the challenges facing the agriculture ministers in their own provinces, there was a willingness by all participants to work toward the long-term goal of a national agriculture policy framework that will see Canada's agri-food industry strengthen its position as a world leader," said Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers met this week to confirm the direction of the proposed framework and review input from recent consultations. An agreement in June would allow governments, in partnership with producers and other members of the industry, to continue with detailed discussion the specific programs that will make up the framework.

"The national policy framework parallels the direction and business plan of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries," said Mr. Fage. "We see this framework as an opportunity for the Nova Scotia agri-food industry to enhance its development.

"This agreement will be a further indication to industry that governments are willing to partner with them to heighten their efforts in business risk management, environmental stewardship, renewal, food safety, science and innovation," said Mr. Fage.

The ministers discussed the results of the consultations and the valuable input that was provided. They agreed that the feedback they received confirms they are on the right track. They recognized there is still important work to be done before agreement can be reached and that further input from producers and other agri-food industry stakeholders on specific details of the framework is needed. Accordingly, they announced that further dialogue will begin shortly, providing more detail and analysis on the work undertaken to date and outlining next steps.

The ministers expressed significant concern about the impact of the new U.S. farm bill on Canadian farmers. They pledged to continue to find ways to challenge and counter its effects on the marketing of Canadian agriculture products.

Since last June, the federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working with the industry to develop a policy framework to build a more profitable sector. They want to ensure that Canada is the world leader in meeting consumer demands both at home and around the world.

The framework has five key elements: business risk management, food safety and quality, the environment, sector renewal and science and innovation.

Mr. Fage said he looks forward to hosting the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers next month in Halifax. He said that the signing of the umbrella agreement is very exciting and that it offers a great opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia.

Given the major role of trade in Canadian agriculture, the ministers agreed on the importance of further developing a strategy under the agricultural policy framework that would increase opportunities for Canadian products in international markets. They agreed that a key to success will be Canada's ability to further earn world recognition of the superiority of its products in terms of food safety, quality and innovation.

Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is a key contributor to the high quality of life enjoyed by citizens across the country. It is also vital to our economic success, currently producing some eight per cent of our gross domestic product.