President's Report: July'09
On my return from the Tripartite roundtable that was a part of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Ag. Ministers annual meeting.
I have just returned from Niagra on the Lake where I attended the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s Tripartite roundtable that was a part of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Ag. Ministers annual meeting. Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) welcomed our concerns, fielded our questions, and discussed solutions.
It was a honour to represent Saskatchewan along with our provincial Minister Bjornerud in the discussions. The day wrapped up with an informal reception held for all Ag. Ministers, their staff, and CFA representatives. Minister Ritz and I agreed to have a more formal meeting back here in Regina in the near future.
Points of Discussion were grouped together in three main areas and are as follows:
A Competitive and innovative sector
1. The crisis in the red meat sector- hogs and cattle
2. Trade
3. Product of Canada Labeling
4. Research and new product development
5. Tax incentives
A sector that responds to society’s objectives
1. Ecological Goods and Services
2. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
3. Carbon Trading
4. Renewable Energy and Fuels
5. Food Safety
A sector proactive at managing risks
1. Business Risk Management and needed changes
2. Agri- Flexibility
Each of these points require explanations that are to extensive to cover in this message. My hope is to have further dialogue with you via the newsletter, out website and in person over the coming weeks.
Enjoy the summer days - if and when they come.