Co-operation Key to Beef Industry Improvements

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Co-operation Key to Beef Industry Improvements

Nova Scotia will work more co-operatively with Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick to improve the beef industry, Chris d'Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said today, Sept. 22, following the annual meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture.

"One of the big challenges we face in Nova Scotia is the need to increase our slaughter capacity so that we have a place to send both our beef and dairy cattle," said Mr. d'Entremont. "I think together we can make some positive things happen for our cattle producers."

Ministers gathered in Brudenell, P.E.I. from Sept. 20 to 22 to discuss advancing the federal cattle strategy to reposition Canada's cattle and ruminant industry. Announced on Sept. 10, the strategy looks at the long-term viability of the industry by increasing slaughter capacity, sustaining the cattle industry until capacity comes online and expanding access to export markets for both livestock and beef products.

"There needs to be some flexibility within the strategy, because each province's issues are not the same and they require different solutions," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Ministers reviewed Canada's response to BSE and will examine short and long-term options for the handling, alternate use, and disposal of animal waste. They also discussed the costs associated with the cattle strategy and agreed to continue to work together to address this important concern.

Other discussions resulted in the establishment of an annual review process of the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). Ministers also agreed to extend the 1/3 simplified deposit for the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program for the 2004 stabilization year, and to extend the deadline by which deposits must be made to March 31, 2005.