Agriculture Ministers Focus on Regional Issues

Progress on the Atlantic memorandum of understanding and an update on the red meat sector were key issues discussed at Atlantic agriculture minister meetings in St. John's, NL.

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell and his regional colleagues gathered with federal officials June 3 and today, June 4, to prepare for the annual federal/provincial/territorial (FPT) agriculture ministers meeting.

"We are providing genuine leadership to make the right decisions for Nova Scotia families and have made significant progress on our commitment to regional co-operation to promote and develop the agri-food industry," said Mr. MacDonell. "Staff are preparing work plans to address a number of initiatives such as ways to address agricultural greenhouse-gas emissions, sharing extension knowledge and education approaches, and co-operation developing renewable energy opportunities for agriculture."

The meetings included discussion about progress on the Atlantic memorandum of understanding, industry engagement sessions and what the next national policy framework should include.

"Farmers are significantly impacted by the policy and programs we create," said Mr. MacDonell. "Government is determined to ensure that programs continue to respond to the sector's needs so we can strengthen the agriculture industry and grow the province's economy."

The Department of Agriculture continues to partner with the province's red meat sector to develop an organization to help with planning to build a strong foundation and links across the Atlantic region.

The federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers will meet in Saskatoon, July 6-8.