Minister To Attend U.S. Agriculture Meeting in Washington

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Minister To Attend U.S. Agriculture Meeting in Washington

Pressing for the re-opening of the United States' border to the trade of live animals will be the priority when Nova Scotia Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont attends the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) on Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23 in Washington, D.C.

"We will exchange views on the BSE situation here in Canada and in the U.S. and will press for the early resumption of trade in live animals," Mr. d'Entremont said. "The huge costs resulting from the single cow incident in Alberta have shown that better science-based international guidelines are needed for re-opening trade in such cases."

Canadian provincial ministers of agriculture were invited specifically to participate in NASDA's Animal and Plant Industries Committee's consideration of the U.S.'s position regarding BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease) control measures and trade. Five other provincial agriculture ministers are also expected to attend.

While in Washington, the Canadian delegation will also be holding meetings with officials and representatives of the USDA, the House Committee on Agriculture, industry associations and with trade consultants including former U.S. Trade Representative Clayton Yeutter.

"Our message will be that by working together Canada and the U.S. can demonstrate international leadership and help discourage irrational trade barriers by adopting policies that are in accordance with science and high standards regarding food safety," said Mr. d'Entremont.