Annual Conference of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture
NEWS RELEASE – AGRICULTURE MINISTERS SET TIMETABLE ON FARM SAFETY NET REFORMS
PRINCE ALBERT, Sk., July 7, 1999 -- Federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers closed their annual meeting today after spending two intense days examining the farm safety net system and also how Canada's trade policy can play a critical role in improving farm incomes.
Ministers discussed the current farm income situation, resulting from low prices and adverse weather, that is affecting many parts of the agriculture industry across the country. Ministers reviewed preliminary assessments of the various programs under the current farm safety net system and discussed at length the need for a long-term disaster assistance program. They set a firm timetable for next steps.
In November, ministers will analyze the future direction of the national safety net system. These will be discussed fully with industry. Ministers will decide at that time on a mechanism for funding allocations among provinces. The implementation of a national five-year program will be determined in February 2000.
Preparations for the upcoming round of World Trade Organization (WTO) talks were a high priority during the Prince Albert meeting. Ministers recognized the impact of low commodity prices and the need for a more open international trading environment. To that end, they exchanged views on Canada's initial negotiating position in the upcoming WTO talks, scheduled to begin in November.
The ministers reviewed the results of trade consultations held across the country over the last two years, which culminated in a federal-provincial consultation with industry in Ottawa last April. At today's meeting, provinces had the opportunity to put forward their views. Ministers were pleased that the elements now exist to develop a strong position aimed at the best possible outcome for Canada at the negotiating table. A detailed position statement will be unveiled in August. Canada will then begin promoting its objectives internationally.
Trade relations with the U.S. and European Union were discussed by ministers, including recent trade irritants and disputes. Ministers recognized that regular dialogue with their U.S. counterparts, as well as between producers on both sides of the border, reduces the risk of having trade irritants become major disagreements.
Ministers discussed the agricultural implications with respect to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Ministers agreed there is a need for further research on nitrous oxide and methane emissions under Canadian conditions. Ministers noted that agriculture can be part of the global solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They recognized the need to engage the broader farm public in strategies to reduce emissions.
On biotechnology, Ministers recognized the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies. They asked their officials to develop a plan to help maintain consumer confidence while ensuring access to foreign markets for Canadian products.
Growth in the agriculture and food industry is an integral and vital component of the continued health of the Canadian economy. Ministers agreed to jointly support the Canadian Agri-Food Marketing Council (CAMC)'s proposal to strengthen the alliance between producers and processors and the need to work together to meet industry export targets. The CAMC plan provides for more consultation among producers, processors and government.
The ministers also received reports on federal-provincial poultry and egg agreements, priority markets, Y2K preparedness, investment and federal species at risk legislation.
Ministers underlined the need for increased public awareness of agriculture and agri-food and encouraged each government to pursue activities in this field. They were given a presentation on the first-ever Canadian Agriculture and Food Celebration, slated for this October, aimed to help Canadians understand and appreciate how the sector improves their quality of life.
Next year's annual federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers' conference will be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Records of decision are available by calling:
Rick Parent
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-7920
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF
FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-TERRITORIAL
MINISTERS AND DEPUTY MINISTERS OF AGRICULTURE
PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN
JULY 6 AND 7, 1999
RECORD OF DECISION
The Agriculture and Agri-food Climate Change Table will produce its final "options report" at the end of the summer describing the sectoral elements of a national strategy that Canada might implement to meet its Kyoto commitments to reduce emissions by 6% from its 1990 levels by 2010. Ministers made the following decisions regarding action areas the Table has identified at this stage in its work as requiring priority attention.
- Further scientific research is needed to sufficiently understand sources of nitrous oxide and methane within agricultural systems to better inform policy responses;
- Priority must be assigned to advance science to support international policy objectives regarding carbon sinks in agriculture;
- Agricultural emissions are unique within the Canadian economy and require tailored policy responses;
- In the months ahead, priority must be assigned to efforts to engage the broader farm public in strategies to reduce emissions;
- Ministers will consider the Agriculture and Agri-food Table's completed options report at their next meeting in the Fall.
July 7, 1999 (12:10 p.m.)
REVISING THE FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL AGREEMENTS
FOR THE POULTRY AND EGG SUPPLY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Federal-Provincial and Territorial Ministers, at their meeting on July 15-16, 1998, agreed that the existing Agreements, used by the national poultry and egg marketing agencies, should be revised to make them more flexible and to permit the national agencies to better adapt to changing market conditions and, furthermore, that the renewal process be completed by the end of 1999. Ministers were presented with a progress report on this project. On this basis, the Ministers:
- Reconfirm their direction to the Agencies that the renewal process for the Federal-Provincial Agreements must be continued and completed by the original deadline of December 31, 1999.
- Acknowledge the draft Federal-Provincial Agreement prepared by the National Association of Agri-Food Supervisory Agencies.
July 7, 1999 (12:10 p.m.)
In order to define the major elements of new policy and programs for farm income stabilization beginning in 2000-2001, Ministers have agreed t
- finish evaluating the existing programs including the income disaster component;
- develop options regarding the components of a five-year framework agreement on farm income stabilization, including the necessary funding;
- analyze these options, particularly in light of the results from the evaluation of the existing programs;
- establish an improved mechanism for allocating federal funds to programs and provinces. All options should be looked at, including an option based on farm cash receipts which would be gradually implemented taking into account a maintained level of funding for Saskatchewan and Manitoba;
- the funding level for Newfoundland and Labrador be given special consideration for an increased allocation;
- provide a plan for consultation with the agricultural industry.
- analyze the results of these activities at the next conference in November 1999, and confirm the applicable funding allocation mechanism as of 2000-2001, and determine at that time the industry consultation plan.
- decide at their meeting in February 2000 the next five-year framework agreement as well as the phasing-in of implementation.
July 7, 1999 (12:10 p.m.)