Canada's agriculture ministers are committed to building on the record $20 billion in export sales the country's agriculture and agri-food sector achieved last year, a 50 percent increase since 1993.
At their annual two-day meeting in Trois-Rivieres, the agriculture ministers received specific action plans for eight priority export markets that could see Canadian agri-food trade increase significantly beyond the $20-billion target. They are looking to industry to set specific new targets for the year 2000 and beyond.
Prince Edward Island's agriculture minister Eric Hammill said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting, the first he has attended since becoming minister.
"I have invited our federal agriculture minister, the Honourable Lyle Vanclief, to visit Prince Edward Island in August," said Mr. Hammill. "This will provide an excellent opportunity for our agricultural organizations to discuss with the federal minister issues of importance to the province's agriculture and agri-food sector."
Mr. Hammill said the ministers stressed the importance of effective international trade agreements given the importance of agricultural trade for Canada. They pointed to the successful NAFTA panel defence of the Canadian position on dairy and poultry tariffs, and agreed on the importance of consultations with provinces and all agri-food sectors under the next round of agricultural negotiations through the World Trade Organization, expected in 1999.
Mr. Hammill said there was recognition of the importance of attracting new investment to help develop the industry. He said ministers agreed to pursue a federal-provincial strategy building on current provincial efforts for attracting and retaining investment in the agri-food industry. Ministers will finalize an investment strategy in July 1998.
Atlantic ministers also met before the start of the two-day meeting. "A cooperative approach with my counterparts in the Atlantic region has been enhanced," said Mr. Hammill. "It is so important that the Atlantic provinces work together in order to maximize benefits to the agriculture sector in our region, including federal investments."
Ministers also confirmed the importance of the national farm safety net program in reducing risks. They endorsed a work plan to review the program for completion by July 1998.
There will be consultations with the industry to broaden the agreement on interprovincial trade and reduce barriers. Other issues on the agenda were food inspection, wildlife and waterfowl damage to crops.
"I wish to thank our agricultural sector people for the valuable input I received from them in advance of this conference," said Mr. Hammill. "I had the opportunity to discuss several of these issues with Mr. Vanclief, who particularly acknowledged our concerns with the effect of cost-recovery initiatives. I believe this indicates his willingness to review the impacts these fees are having on the Prince Edward Island industry."