Released on March 15, 2004
Representatives of Canadian provinces and state representatives from Mexico and the United States agree that the three countries need to continue to work together to press for science-based rules related to food safety and animal health at this past weekend's 14th annual meeting of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Mexico.The discovery of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada and the United States in 2003 increased the urgency for ensuring that we use a harmonized approach in North America to ensure a safe food supply which allows for the free movement of trade.
"It was refreshing to see such a uniform front presented by three different countries on the same issue," Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman said. "We have all committed to harmonizing our regulations and restoring normal livestock trade in North America."
Officials at the meetings in Mexico – including the Secretaries, Commissioners, Directors and Ministers of Agriculture from five Canadian provinces, 22 U.S. states and 18 Mexican states – also committed to standardize North American regulations on agricultural pesticides.
"Differences in our regulations for pesticide pricing, allowable residue limits, availability and labelling can block the free flow of goods between our countries," Wartman said. "Common standards for pesticides will benefit producers throughout North America by removing artificial barriers to agricultural trade."
Wartman noted that the province, in separate bi-lateral discussions between Canada and the United States at the event, was able to repeat the strong Canadian opposition to mandatory Country-of-Origin labelling (COOL) in the U.S. on agricultural products. Canada believes that COOL will increase costs and create trade barriers in the North American market.
Wartman said it is important that Canada continues to use its international relationships to build its reputation for safe, high quality food products - not only in North America, but worldwide. Canada needs to continue to develop new markets worldwide in order to provide more opportunities for the livestock industry.
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| Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-4031 |