UPDATE ON SOUTH DAKOTA ACTIONS

Released on September 17, 1998

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall today urged

anyone planning to ship grain or livestock to North or South Dakota to

obtain the latest information before they cross the US border.



"South Dakota has announced that it will stop all trucks carrying

Canadian grain and livestock and request certification that the

commodities are free of certain diseases, weed seeds and/or

antibiotics. North Dakota has indicated it will ask for similar

certification but will not stop them from proceeding if they don't

have it," Upshall said.



"We will hold the Governor of South Dakota responsible for any losses

suffered by Saskatchewan producers as a result of this action. We are

looking into the available legal avenues for recovering those losses.



"Anyone moving these commodities into North or South Dakota needs to

have the latest information so they can reduce the likelihood of

potential problems.



"The actions of Governor Janklow of South Dakota will not solve the

problems of South Dakota farmers and are clearly inconsistent with

United States' trade obligation under the World Trade Organization and

the North American Free Trade Agreement. Saskatchewan producers are

fair traders competing in a world marketplace. It's unacceptable that

our access to US markets can be arbitrarily stopped by a State

Governor looking for an election fight with his federal government,"

Upshall said.



"This is clearly a trade irritant which does not foster good

relations between the two countries. We have the assurance of

the federal government that they are discussing this issue with

high officials in Washington," Upshall said.



"Saskatchewan is working with the federal government to pursue

all our options under our trade agreements as well as other legal

options to ensure the United States lives up to its trade

commitments. But until we get a longer term solution, livestock

and grain shippers should be sure they have the latest

information," he said.



Anyone wanting information immediately can phone Saskatchewan

Agriculture and Food at (306) 787-5955 and they will put you in

contact with the appropriate Government of Canada official.



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For more information, contact:



Hal Cushon, Director

Policy and Program Development Branch

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5961