SASKATCHEWAN TO TALK BSE AT TRI-NATIONAL ACCORD

BSE, trade-distorting subsidies, antidumping and countervail measures, rural development and the achievement of a more integrated North American market are some of the topics on the agenda of the 15th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord, being held in Sacramento, California from April 13th-16th, 2005.

"The prolonged closure of the U.S. border, and the ongoing hardship this is causing Saskatchewan producers, will be foremost in my discussions with state level officials," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "The U.S. was prepared to accept animals under 30 months of age, and meat from those animals, and we appreciate their efforts to expand that to include animals over 30 months as well."

"We are now almost two years into the BSE crisis, in spite of the fact that science says Canadian meat and animals are safe and the border should be open. It is imperative that we resolve this issue."

The Tri-National Accord is attended by Canadian agriculture ministers, U.S. Commissioners and Secretaries of Agriculture and Mexican Secretaries of Agriculture, as well as their officials.

"These meetings provide an excellent forum for discussing a variety of important agricultural issues with key officials from across Canada, the United States and Mexico, and to propose some common North American solutions," Wartman said. "By working together, we can achieve outcomes that will benefit the agriculture industry and producers in all three countries."

Saskatchewan exports to the U.S. in 2004 exceeded $7.9 billion, with over $700 million in agriculture and agri-food sales. Imports from the U.S. were approximately $4.2 billion, with about $220 million in agriculture and agri-food products.

Saskatchewan exports to Mexico in 2004 exceeded $317 million, of which over $306 million were agriculture and agri-food products. Imports from Mexico were approximately $35 million, with just under $5.5 million in agriculture and agri-food goods.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031