Yorkton – The second in a series of meetings to discuss agriculture trade between Canada and the United States was held June 25 & 26, 1999, in Regina. Seven Members of Parliament, two Canadian Senators, one Saskatchewan Member of the Legislature and producers listened to a panel of speakers discuss all the issues surrounding international trade in agriculture. The panel included:

Canadian Panelists U.S. Panelists

Greg Rockafellow – Prairie Farm Commodity Keith Bales - Montana Stock Growers

Coalition Association

Neil Jahnke – Canadian Cattleman’s Mike Waters - Montana Grain Growers

Association Association

Kurt Klein – Economist University of Conrad Burns – U.S. Senator, Montana

Lethbridge

"This meeting was a real success. Farmers had the opportunity to learn about the differences and similarities between the agriculture sectors on each side of the border. The success of this meeting hinged on the fact that the politicians were there to listen and learn. We did not set the agenda or tell producers how trade should occur. We listened as farmers related their concerns. They told us what needs to be done to give farmers a better bottom line," Breitkreuz stated.

There were a number of issues that each side identified as important next steps. "Enhancing the Northwest cattle project, harmonizing grading systems and environmental regulations and working together to pressure the European Union to reduce their subsidies were all key issues that need to be addressed. We want to prepare both countries for a unified position at the next round of the World Trade Organization talks to begin in November," said Breitkreuz.

Following the Friday night meeting it was agreed that another gathering between MPs, U.S. Senators and farmers should be held. "The next meeting will be held in the United States probably in July to continue on what has already been started. Historically Ottawa has paid little attention to the concerns of prairie producers at the bargaining table. These meetings are intended to change that. Long-term solutions to the problems farmers face need to be put in place as it’s obvious short-term aid is not good enough," Breitkreuz concluded.

-30-

For More Information Please Call:

Yorkton: 1-800-667-6606

Ottawa: (613) 992-4394