Prince Edward Island Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy was pleased with the Agriculture Ministers meeting in Ottawa. "I felt that we have passed another milestone on the road to developing the Agriculture Policy Framework" said Mr. Murphy. The Minister also stated much work needs to be done before the framework agreement can be finalized.
Ministers considered the valuable feedback received from the industry during the meeting. Further consultation and support will have to be obtained from industry if Ministers are to sign an umbrella agreement at their annual meeting next month in Halifax.
"I am confident that with further consultations, a policy framework that enhances Canada's position as a world leader in food safety and food quality will be reached." Ministers recognize that there is still important work to be done especially on the specific details of the agreement.
"I felt the meeting with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture was a strong indicator of the willingness of government and industry to focus their efforts on the framework agreement" said Mr. Murphy.
Ministers expressed significant concern about the new U.S. Farm Bill. "It is difficult to predict the impact the Farm Bill will have on the Prince Edward Island agriculture industry at this time" said Mr. Murphy. Ministers pledged to continue to pursue means to challenge and counter its effects on the marketing of Canadian agriculture products.
Given the major role of trade in Canadian agriculture, Ministers agreed on the importance of further developing a strategy under the Agricultural Policy Framework that would increase opportunities for Canadian products in international markets. Ministers agreed a key to 21st century success will be Canada's ability to further earn and nurture world recognition of the superiority of its agricultural and agri-food products in terms of food safety, quality and innovation.
"From a trade perspective, the Canada Brand will ensure that our food is recognized as being produced from quality, safe food systems that meet high environmental production standards. Food entering Canada must also match the high standards of food that is produced by our Canadian producers" said Mr. Murphy.