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Prairie Farm Leaders Applaud Free Trade Talks

April 21, 2009

Winnipeg – Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), and Wild Rose Agricultural Producers (WRAP) are encouraged that the federal government has engaged in discussion with the Kingdom of Morocco on opportunities for a free trade agreement.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced he met with the agriculture and trade leaders from Morocco and the federal government is focused on working on strengthening the trade relationship between the two countries.

During their meeting in Winnipeg on April 17, 2009, the three Prairie farm group leaders emphasized the importance of the development of markets for producers.

“Here in Western Canada we’re export reliant, and we want to build on our exports of grain, pulses, and other agricultural products, so this is positive news,” said Ian Wishart, KAP President.

The farm leaders agree the move to negotiate with Morocco will help put Canada on the same level as other trade partners such as the U.S. and the European Union.

“Free trade agreements that put us on equal footing with our neighbours will go a long way to benefit producers,” said Greg Marshall, APAS President.

“We welcome this news because any development is good for farmers and it takes away the competitive disadvantage in the marketplace,” said Humphrey Banack, WRAP President.

WRAP, APAS, and KAP are pleased to see Canada’s commitment to trade and look forward to more news on the Morocco negotiations.

APAS is Saskatchewan’s general farm organization formed to provide farmers and ranchers with a democratically elected, grassroots, non-partisan, producer organization based on rural municipal boundaries.   As the voice of agriculture in Saskatchewan, APAS represents the views of all agricultural stakeholders in order to form comprehensive policies that benefit all sectors of agriculture.

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For more information, please contact:

Ian Wishart, KAP President.  Cell: (204) 856-6964. 

Greg Marshall, APAS President.  Cell: (306) 746-7747.

Humphrey Banack, WRAP President.  Cell: (780) 679-4449.