Government Of Canada Reiterates Disappointment In The EU’s Export Subsidies On Pork

January 14, 2008

OTTAWA, Ontario - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Secretary of State for Agriculture, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, met today with officials of the French Ministry of Agriculture for discussions on matters of common interest.

“Canada and France have a mutual interest in expanding trade and strategic alliances in our agriculture industries”, said Secretary of State Paradis. “We will continue to work together to foster greater trade and collaboration on issues that affect both our countries.”

Secretary of State Paradis welcomed the opportunity to take stock and share perspectives on international challenges our countries face, and to discuss important bilateral issues.

Mr. Paradis used the occasion to express Canada’s disappointment that the European Union (EU) has chosen to re-introduce export subsidies for pork, especially at a critical time for the World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations. Mr. Paradis re-emphasized that the EU subsidies, which took effect on November 30, 2007, will have negative impacts for other porkexporting nations, and will delay market recovery.

The Secretary of State’s visit is intended to reinforce the close collaboration between Canada and France. It is also another example of the Government of Canada working hard to expand market access and provide new opportunities for Canadian farmers, food processors, and the research and development communities.