Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz and provincial Agriculture Minister George Webster met in Ottawa last week to discuss issues facing the Prince Edward Island agriculture industry.
The ministers agreed on the need for flexible programming to deal with specific issues such as those facing the livestock industry. They agreed on forming a working group, including federal, provincial and industry representatives from the region, to explore options to deal with current issues facing the red meat sector. The group will also discuss possible programming under the recently announced $500 million Agricultural Flexibility Fund.
“The Government of Canada is working hard to help our farmers keep their competitive edge and increase their profitability,” said Minister Ritz. “Working closely with the Prince Edward Island agricultural industry will help us deliver real results for the province’s farmers, sector and the economy.”
“By working closely with the federal government, our government is helping Prince Edward Island producers take advantage of all possible opportunities offered by national programs,” said Minister Webster. “We will continue to explore mechanisms through which policies can be tailored to work better for our producers.”
Part of the ministers’ discussions was federal/industry collaboration on the upcoming potato trade mission to Algeria October 16 to 21. Led by the Prince Edward Island potato industry, the mission will include a member of the PEI Potato Board and representatives of the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Funding is being provided in support of the mission by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the PEI Business Development Corporation.