April 21, 2006

No changes seen in US-Canada beef trade

The US does not "anticipate any change in the status" of beef trade with Canada, the Canadian agriculture minister said Thursday (Apr 20).

Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Board Chuck Strahl met with US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns in Washington DC, on a number of agricultural issues, according to the minister's office.

The two senior officials held a working meeting focusing on a wide range of issues, including World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations and bird flu preparedness, as well as the Apr-16 confirmation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a cow from British Columbia and the path forward, a press release from the agriculture minister's office said.

"Secretary Johanns and I enjoyed a candid discussion today and it is gratifying to know that, based on current information, the US does not anticipate any changes in the status of our beef and cattle trade," said Strahl.

"In addition to our ongoing communication, Secretary Johanns and I have agreed to meet at least once per year to discuss bilateral trade issues to ensure Canada and the US continue to have a strong and rewarding partnership benefiting our agricultural sectors," he said.

While in Washington, Strahl also met with representatives of the American Meat Institute and Meat Processors, as well as the National Cattleman's Beef Association on issues of mutual interest.

"Normalising beef and cattle trade in North America is a priority I share with industry on both sides of the border," said Strahl. "Canadian officials and industry will continue to work with their American counterparts to ensure the long-term profitability of producers in both of our countries."

Johanns and Strahl also discussed Canada's commitment to achieving a more level international playing field at the WTO agriculture negotiations through the elimination of export subsidies, the substantial reduction of trade-distorting domestic support, and real and significant market access improvements, the minister said.

Canada will continue to work closely with the US and other WTO members, as well as with provinces and Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry stakeholders, toward an overall outcome that benefits Canada's agricultural sector, Strahl said.