Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said today he was pleased with the progress made by agriculture ministers at their recent annual meeting in Victoria, B.C. "There were several items on the agenda that were of significant interest to Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Tulk. "Agrifood awareness, improved business climate, safety nets, and transportation policy changes were some of the issues."

Discussions on agrifood awareness centered on the need for industry and government to better promote the many benefits and opportunities that the industry holds. Improved business climate focused on streamlining regulations, taxation policies, marketing structures and rising input costs, such as fertilizer and feed.

With respect to safety nets, the province and the federal government have been negotiating for some time now a framework agreement and details for a comprehensive package of programs designed to provide producers with income stability and development initiatives. Ministers discussed the status of these discussions which are reaching a conclusion.

Transportation policy changes in the past year have resulted in increased input costs in many parts of the country, particularly in Atlantic Canada. While transitional funding has been provided over two years, there is concern for the future once these funds are expended. Mr. Tulk outlined to his counterparts the importance of the livestock sector to the province and the serious challenges this industry is facing. While these challenges are trying to be addressed, the minister said "the solution will require the participation of the producers, the province and the federal government." Mr. Tulk further stressed the need for flexibility in federal government programs to address the needs of industry in different provinces.

Other items discussed included the Canadian Food Inspection System, national standards for organic products, internal and international trade, role of government, increased federal/provincial cooperation in marketing, inter-provincial cooperation and sustainable development.

Mr. Tulk will be meeting with Ralph Goodale, Minister of Agriculture and Agrifoods Canada in Ottawa in August to further discuss some of these issues and others that are of importance to the province. Contact: Marty Howlett, ADM Agrifoods, (709) 729-3787, or Anna Buffinga, (709) 729-3750.