SASKATCHEWAN REPRESENTS PRODUCER CONCERNS AT AG MINISTERS AND WTO MEETINGS

Improving business risk management programming and resolving trade issues facing Saskatchewan producers will be priorities for the provincial government at upcoming Agriculture Ministers and World Trade Organization meetings.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman will join his federal, provincial and territorial counterparts at the annual conference of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Agriculture in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, June 25th-27th. Wartman will also represent the province at a meeting on World Trade Organization (WTO) Agriculture Negotiations being held June 29th-July 2nd in Geneva, Switzerland.

"My position at the Agriculture Ministers meeting will be that any future business risk management program must have a real and beneficial impact on our agriculture industry," Wartman said. "It must give producers access to effective stabilization and disaster programming, and it must be fair and affordable for provinces and taxpayers."

Also high on the agenda will be the development of Canada's biofuels industry and the federal government's commitment to a five per cent renewable fuel mandate. Wartman said he will continue to advance Saskatchewan's position that the federal government needs to move swiftly to implement a national strategy that includes producer ownership, use of Western Canadian feedstocks, and a more aggressive 10 per cent mandate.

Ministers will also discuss the process for consulting with producers on the next generation of the Agricultural Policy Framework; Canada's preparedness for avian influenza; and feed ban regulations and disposal of Specified Risk Materials related to BSE.

In addition, Ministers will get an update on WTO talks in advance of the meeting on WTO Agriculture Negotiations in Geneva.

Ministers from WTO member states are gathering in an effort to conclude a "modalities" text - a crucial step in the development of the next agreement. This meeting is viewed as a critical point in the development of the modalities text, which is necessary for a new agreement.

"We export approximately 80 per cent of Saskatchewan's agriculture production. Therefore, a new agreement that includes large reductions in the use of trade distorting subsidies, the elimination of export subsidies and increased market access for our exports is of vital importance to Saskatchewan farmers," Wartman said. "We also want to ensure that the Canadian Wheat Board can continue to effectively market prairie grains."

"Saskatchewan's priorities have been developed through consultation with our industry roundtable and I will fight for these priorities in Geneva," Wartman said. "I want to ensure that the Canadian position accurately represents the Saskatchewan position. A new WTO agreement that addresses Saskatchewan's concerns is critical for the future of our agriculture industry."

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For More Information, Contact:

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