SASKATCHEWAN TO TACKLE TRADE CONCERNS AT TRI-NATIONAL ACCORD

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman will represent Saskatchewan producers' interests with key agricultural officials from Canada, the United States and Mexico at the 16th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Banff, Alberta from August 9th-12th, 2006.

Trade-distorting subsidies, anti-dumping and countervail measures, plant pesticide and veterinary drug harmonization, harmonization of BSE regulations and rural development are some of the topics on the agenda for the meeting between Canadian agriculture ministers, U.S. Commissioners and Secretaries of Agriculture, and Mexican Secretaries of Agriculture, as well as their officials.

"Differences in plant and animal health regulations, including regulations pertaining to BSE, maximum residue levels for plant pesticides, veterinary drug availability, ongoing U.S. trade irritants, including issues of countervail and anti-dumping investigations are all issues that lead to disruptions in cross border trade," Wartman said. "I will work to ensure that solutions to these concerns are developed and will continue to emphasize our government's position that trade between our countries, particularly the United States, must be fair. Saskatchewan farmers must be able to get a fair return for what they produce"

Saskatchewan exports to the U.S. in 2005 exceeded $9.5 billion, with over $850 million in agriculture and agri-food sales. Imports from the U.S. were approximately $4.9 billion, with about $220 million in agriculture and agri-food products.

Also in 2005, total Saskatchewan exports to Mexico were approximately $280 million, with over $263 million in agriculture and agri-food products. Imports from Mexico were approximately $54 million, with just over $5.5 million in agriculture and agri-food goods.

"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 for proposing some common North American solutions," Wartman said. "By working together, we can achieve outcomes that will benefit our producers and our agriculture industry."

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For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5389