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For release: January 31, 2005

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MINISTER WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL U.S. VISIT
Key Contacts And Inroads Made In Agricultural Trade

TORONTO - Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters has wrapped up a productive week of meetings that saw significant progress in building U.S.-Ontario agricultural trade relations today.

“I’m very encouraged by the constructive discussions we had with our U.S. counterparts, particularly regarding the BSE situation,” Peters said. “And I am told that March 7 is still the target date for opening the border to trade in live cattle.”

While in Washington, Peters met with a number of influential leaders in U.S. agriculture. He was able to get assurances that the resumption of normal trade in beef is still the goal and the timeline under the previously announced rule has not changed.

Wide-ranging talks held with U.S. government and industry officials included investment opportunities, the current BSE situation, dumping duties currently assessed on Canadian live swine, organic food standards and farmland preservation.

“My goal is to strengthen the agricultural industry in Ontario,” said Peters. “Trade with other countries, particularly the United States, is extremely important to this goal. I would like to thank the industry leaders for their participation and continued guidance on this issue.”

Peters led a delegation of Canadian and Ontario agricultural leaders, including representatives of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Representatives of the general farm and fruit and vegetable sectors travelled with Peters to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Representatives of the beef and dairy cattle sectors travelled with him to Washington D.C. Peters then continued on to Memphis, Tennessee for the Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit.

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Contacts:
Jamie Rilett
Minister’s Office
416-326-6439
416-458-2610 (mobile)

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