For immediate release: 5 July 2006

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS FARMERS AT WORLD TRADE TALKS
WTO Admits Negotiations In Crisis

QUEEN'S PARK - The failure to agree on a template for new international rules affecting agricultural subsidies and trade is a major disappointment, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky said upon returning from the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations in Switzerland.

The minister had joined a large delegation of Canadian federal and provincial ministers in Switzerland to represent Ontario farmers at the international trade talks. The WTO had hoped to conclude an agreement on how to discipline agricultural subsidies and expand trade in food goods by the end of June 2006. The talks in Geneva collapsed, however, almost before they started.

"Our producers are looking for assurances that there will be meaningful cuts to U.S. and EU farm subsidies, in addition to improved market access," said Dombrowsky. "Ontario farm families need a level playing field."

"It is also crucial that any new trade rules be fair and recognize the domestic marketing structures chosen by our dairy, poultry and egg producers," said Dombrowsky. "It is important that negotiators return to talks as soon as possible to achieve a balanced solution."

Minister Dombrowsky was joined by provincial and national stakeholder leaders in Switzerland for the talks. More than 25 country representatives attended at the WTO headquarters in Geneva in the hopes of moving forward towards concluding the current negotiating round by the end of this year.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
(519) 826-3198