U.S. COMMENT PERIOD ON BSE TO END SOON

Released on April 5, 2004

The Government of Saskatchewan is optimistic that normal trade in live animals and animal products between Canada and the U.S. will soon resume.

April 7th marks the end of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) comment period on the proposed rule for importing animals and animal products from countries that have had isolated cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). The Province is hopeful that the U.S. decision will be based purely on scientific evidence.

"Over the last 11 months, the provincial government has undertaken a number of initiatives to support our industry and to encourage a return to normal trade," Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman said. "Now that the comment period is closing, we are hoping the USDA will quickly implement the final rule and allow trade to begin again."

Key initiatives by the Government of Saskatchewan included:

1. Establishing the BSE Industry Advisory Committee to inform the industry of progress on the BSE issue, and to seek guidance on Saskatchewan's approach;

2. Providing input and adding Saskatchewan's name to both Canadian submissions on the proposed USDA rule, in December and again in April;

3. Committing approximately $55 million in compensation programming to help Saskatchewan's cattle and beef industry;

4. Pressuring the federal government to do more to support Canada's cattle and beef sector, emphasizing that trade remains a national responsibility;

5. Working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to investigate the initial case of BSE, develop and implement new rules to strengthen our food safety systems, and access foreign markets;

6. Communicating regularly with Commissioners, Directors and Secretaries of Agriculture in many American states to discuss BSE and to garner a science-based solution to trade issues; and

7. Attending many Canada/U.S. meetings where BSE was a primary focus, including the U.S. National State Departments of Agriculture, the Tri-National Accord, a conference of Midwest Legislators in the U.S., a conference on the North American Free Trade Agreement, and numerous meetings with USDA officials.

A number of changes have been implemented by Canada, the provinces and the livestock industry to strengthen food safety systems, including removal of specified risk materials and enhanced surveillance efforts.

"BSE has caused significant economic losses to producers and feedlot operators," Wartman said. "The best solution is for trade to return to normal, and we will continue to work diligently to that end. Our livestock sector is one of the most competitive in the world, and I am confident that Saskatchewan will have a strong and thriving livestock industry after the BSE crisis has subsided and for years to come."

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031