Canadian and Mexican agriculture leaders this week announced a new agreement that will lead to further co-operation over the next three years.
Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief and Javier Usabiaga Arroyo, the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development,Fisheries and Food, formally agreed on the working plan on Agricultural Co-operation between Canada and Mexico, and also signed the terms of reference for the Canada/Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture.
During a meeting in Toronto, the two leaders also discussed bilateral tradeissues, including Mexican plant health restrictions on Canadian exports ofseed potatoes. Both countries have established a technical committee thatwill, later this year, make scientifically-based recommendations on ways tosuccessfully resolve this issue.
"The relationship between our two countries has always been a strong one andI look forward to seeing continued progress in these important areas in thecoming months. The ongoing exchange of information and expertise inagriculture programs and development initiatives is vital to both Canada andMexico," Vanclief said.
His Mexican counterpart said: "Mexico and Canada are trade partners who share the goal ofcontinuing to increase the development of the agricultural sector in orderto improve the living conditions of our rural populations. This newagreement creates the foundation on which we can continue to work togethertoward this objective, using the strengths and advantages of each country."
The newConsultative Committee will coordinate and monitor the implementation of thework plan and address other bilateral issues related to agriculture trade.
The establishment of such initiatives are in keeping with the AgriculturalPolicy Framework, agreed to in principle last year by Canada's federal,provincial and territorial agriculture ministers. The framework will provideproducers and manufacturers with the means to bring long-term security andsustainability to the agricultural sector and expand its markets andcompetitiveness in the global economy.