For release: January 16, 2004

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MINISTER TO REPRESENT ONTARIO AT U.S. AGRICULTURAL SUMMIT

TORONTO - The McGuinty government is taking action with U.S. legislators to promote the reinstatement of open border trade for cattle and beef products.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters will attend a Legislative Agricultural Chairs Summit this weekend in New Orleans.

"This is an excellent opportunity for governments on both sides of the border to work together to manage the challenges facing the beef and cattle industry in North America," says Peters. "Every opportunity to communicate openly with our largest trading partner is a step closer to restoring confidence in our beef and cattle industries and to the re-opening of the border."

The Agricultural Chairs Summit will bring together chairs of state agriculture committees and representatives from Canadian governments. The summit runs today through Sunday.

Contacts:
Mary Devorski
Minister's Office
416-326-3077
416-606-8303 (Mobile)

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