Progress Made at Annual Agriculture Ministers Conference

Agriculture ministers from the Maritimes continue to seek ways to help the region's cattle farmers as the U.S. court date approaches to determine the future of an American ban on imports of Canadian beef, cattle and other ruminants, said Chris d'Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"We've consulted with the cattle industry to develop a plan that is in the best interests of Canadians and to refine our approach prior to the court decision," Mr. d'Entremont said today, July 8. "We continue to support the industry and will pursue all appropriate legal avenues to reopen the American border as soon as possible."

Federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers met in Kananaskis, Alta., this week. Ministers had an opportunity to speak with representatives of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the Beef Value Chain Roundtable.

Agriculture ministers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island support several initiatives they hope will help the farmers, including: a common approach to expanding slaughter opportunities for cull animals; specified risk material disposal; and improved ways of tracing cattle.

"We will continue to work together to eradicate BSE from Canada and re-integrate the industry into the North American market," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Ministers also discussed a number of other issues during the conference, including the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program, trade, the environment and branding initiatives.