Minister to attend meeting on Agricultural Policy Framework in Toronto

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, will join his federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts in Toronto on January 31 for a meeting on the new national Agricultural Policy Framework (APF).

Mr. Woodford said he is looking forward to meeting with other agriculture ministers from across the country for a productive discussion on the status of the new five-year APF, which will replace the current federal-provincial-territorial Safety Nets Agreement that expires this year.

"Our main focus during this meeting will be on business risk management programming, which is one of the five key elements under the APF," said Minister Woodford.

The minister added, "We have made great strides in our negotiations with the federal government in terms of funding allocation for Newfoundland and Labrador and the programs we require to meet the needs of our industry. This meeting will allow further discussion regarding our draft bi-lateral agreement, which we hope to finalize in a few weeks."

Minister Woodford said the Agriculture Policy Framework will help strengthen our agriculture industry by building on our accomplishments to date and creating potential growth opportunities through diversification. He said the new federal-provincial-territorial agreement will allow our industry to continue to move forward and remain a major contributor to our economy, especially in rural communities.

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry, which was highlighted during government�s Jobs and Growth consultations as an area for considerable growth potential, employs over 4,000 people in our province and is valued at over $500 million to the economy.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2003 01 29                                        3:50 p.m.