TEAM CANADA MEETS WITH JAPANESE FOOD AGENCY

Released on April 9, 1996

Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall today discussed trade
opportunities for various Saskatchewan producers in meetings with
officials from the Japanese Food Agency, the Chairman of Japan's
largest federation of agricultural co-operatives and Japan's
Vice-Minister of Health and Welfare. Upshall is in Japan on a Team
Canada Trade Mission led by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister
Ralph Goodale.

The Japanese Food Agency buys all wheat and barley imported in Japan,
while all other grains imported are purchased by the private trade.

"Japan is a very important trading partner with the Canadian Wheat
Board and has demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium price for
wheat and barley," Upshall said. "Last year the Japanese Food Agency
purchased more than $185 million of wheat and durum and more than $39
million of barley from Canada.

"Officials from the Japanese Food Agency made it clear that they
believe the current threat's to the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly for
wheat and barley could endanger their long-standing relationship with
Canada. Agency board members said they place a high value on the
Canadian Wheat Board's Quality Assurance Program and the Board's
ability to guarantee a reliable supply of grain.

"While they were somewhat concerned about the current upward trend in
grain prices, they understood that reasonable prices for Canadian
producers will ensure long-term supply of high quality Canadian grains
to Japan," Upshall said.

The Team Canada delegation also met with Chairman Motohashi of the
Zen-Noh Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations. Zen-Noh
is the major purchaser of Saskatchewan potash in Japan. Next week,
Upshall will have the opportunity for further discussions with
representatives from Zen-Noh, centering on the purchase of Saskatchewan
animal feed products.

The delegation's final meeting of the day was with Japan's
Vice-Minister of Health and Welfare, Mr. Hiroshi Tada, and provided the
opportunity for Canada to reassure the Japanese government that new
canola varieties developed through biotechnology have undergone a very
thorough regulatory review to ensure product safety for human
consumption before approval was granted for their use in Canada.

While in Tokyo, Upshall also attended a luncheon with members of the
Tokyo business community sponsored by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
of Japan.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Dave Burdeniuk
Media Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6349