ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN URGE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SEEK A WTO AGREEMENT THAT ADVANCES EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

The Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan continue to urge the federal government and their provincial counterparts to support a World Trade Organization (WTO) position that advances market access for the entire agriculture and agri-food industry across Canada.

"As a top exporting nation, it is critical that Canada pursues an ambitious agreement that delivers a commercially meaningful outcome and substantially improves market access," said Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development George Groeneveld. "We need to focus on developing a more supportive trade environment that enhances the ability of our agriculture industry to be more competitive and leads to its future growth and success."

"An inflexible stance that sacrifices opportunities for the majority of the agriculture industry would be a grave mistake," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Our producers want increased trade opportunities. They know they can compete - and succeed - in an open international market."

Alberta and Saskatchewan remain opposed to Canada's current negotiating position, which does not take full advantage of the growth opportunities presented by a WTO agreement. Both governments agree the new agriculture text released by the WTO on May 19, 2008 is an important step in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Ninety-two per cent of producers across Canada, and a substantial majority in every province, are directly or indirectly dependent on export markets. Sales of export dependent commodities account for $25 billion or nearly 80 per cent of Canada's annual farm gate receipts. Independent analysts have concluded that a strong WTO agreement on agriculture could mean an increase of $3 billion in exports annually for Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry.

Alberta and Saskatchewan commend Canada's strong position on the reduction of trade distorting domestic support and the elimination of all forms of export subsidies. However, the two provinces and the majority of Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry remain concerned that the interests of Canada's export-oriented industries are at risk if Canada does not take a more progressive stance on opening trade relationships.

Failure to achieve a substantial agreement on agriculture in a timely fashion could have serious implications in other areas of the WTO negotiations, where Canada has significant interests. The agreement on agriculture is expected to set the tone for other aspects of the WTO negotiations.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Ag Media Line
Phone: 780 422-1005