Agriculture Minister Supports Supply Management System for Industry

Agriculture Minister Mark Parent told his provincial and federal colleagues in Ottawa, Monday, Feb. 9, the supply management system is important to Nova Scotia's agriculture sector.

"Nova Scotia is a strong supporter of supply management, recognizing its importance to stabilizing our entire agriculture and food sector," said Mr. Parent. "We are supportive of protecting a modern supply management system that is responsive to the needs of our producers and consumers."

Provincial agriculture ministers agreed that a successful conclusion to the World Trade Organization trade negotiations are important to Canada's agriculture sector.

The ministers discussed a number of topics including the current economic situation and how it is affecting the agriculture industry across the country.

"We are fully aware of the difficulties our agriculture sectors are facing and that we need to work with the industry to ensure that our programs are responsive to their needs," said Mr. Parent.

Discussions also focused on Canada's food safety system and labeling requirements for the United States, and progress on the new Growing Forward programs which are set to be in place for April 1.

Ministers will meet again in July in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.