Annual Conference of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture

Halifax, Nova Scotia – July 19, 2013 – Today, federal, provincial and  territorial (FPT) agriculture Ministers wrapped up their annual meeting which  focused on the potential of Growing  Forward 2 to spur innovation and market growth in Canada’s agriculture,  agri‑food and agri-products sector.

“Growing Forward 2 is an exciting step  forward for our innovative  Canadian sector, providing the strategic  investments necessary to advance innovation and broaden our markets,” said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “I  am extremely proud of our record of collaboration and  dedication to ensuring our farmers, processors and exporters are on strong  footing to take full advantage of the trade and market opportunities emerging  around the world.”

Growing Forward 2 will help drive transformative change by proactively investing in  innovation, market access and development, and regulatory reform.

Both levels of  government recognize the importance of a strong agricultural and food industry  as a catalyst for new jobs and new growth across the country. With sector  exports reaching a record $47.7 billion last year, remaining competitive and  productive are critical components to expanding trade and generating growth. Growing Forward 2 is complemented by  Canada’s ambitious trade agenda, aimed at maintaining and expanding export  opportunities in traditional and emerging markets. In this context, Ministers  also reaffirmed their support for supply management.

Ministers also  expressed their extreme disappointment regarding the U.S. Country of Origin  Labelling (COOL) that continues to be harmful to the Canadian livestock  industry. They stressed their continued commitment to stand up for Canadian  cattle and hog producers against these unfair measures.

“I’m very pleased  with the level of collaboration among the jurisdictions,” said Minister  MacDonell. “Each of us is committed to addressing whatever issues the  agriculture and agri‑food sector is confronting, from food safety and  traceability to insurance and innovation. Working together, we will continue to  provide effective support to Canada’s producers and processors, to ensure the  long-term sustainability and prosperity of Canadian agriculture.”

Ministers discussed the potential for further  support under AgriRisk Initiatives to facilitate industry’s capacity to implement  and deliver new, private sector risk management tools. They also discussed  expediting the implementation of a Western livestock price insurance pilot  program. Governments remain committed to engaging the private sector in  expanding the range of risk management tools available to Canadian farmers. For  more information on AgriRisk Initiatives, interested parties can visit www.agr.gc.ca/AgriRisk.

Growing Forward 2 will also facilitate  a modern regulatory environment for the sector through industry and regulatory agency  collaboration to enhance Canada’s competitive advantage. Ministers discussed directions the federal government is following to  improve the regulatory environment for the sector, which will continue to  target health, product safety and the environment.

Ministers also discussed the control of imported goods,  particularly reciprocity of standards. They recognized the perception of  differences in oversight expressed by industry and consumers. They agreed to  further examine this subject, while stressing the quality of Canadian products  and the strict controls to which all foods are subject.

Ministers were given an overview of food safety modernization  activities under the federal government's Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan,  which will further strengthen Canada's world-class system and better protect  Canadian families. As part of the plan, the CFIA is moving forward on new,  stronger and more streamlined food regulations to bring the Safe Food for Canadians Act into force.  The CFIA is also in the midst of a consultation on food labelling  modernization.

Ministers discussed the strategy for a Food Safety Integrated  Surveillance Network to link federal, provincial and private food laboratories.  They endorsed the development of a business case to improve detection and  response to food-borne threats.

FPT Ministers agreed that the implementation of traceability for  cattle, hogs, poultry and sheep remains a high priority and encouraged the  implementation of a cost-effective and sustainable system in collaboration with  industry.

Officials updated Ministers on the options and engagement process  for streamlining and modernizing the crop variety registration system, while  ensuring it continues to support and promote Canada’s sterling reputation for  high-quality grains.

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BACKGROUNDER – Growing Forward 2

Growing Forward 2 is a five-year agreement developed in consultation with industry, and  the announcement of several bilateral agreements between FPT governments.  Launched in April, Growing Forward 2 marks a major shift towards realizing the high economic potential of the sector.  On top of multi-year funding for business risk management programs, it includes  an FPT investment of more than $3  billion over five years in strategic initiatives. The policy’s strong  focus on innovation, competitiveness and market development provides a  foundation for the development of programs and services to position Canadian  producers and food processors for growth and prosperity in the years ahead. For  more information, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2.