NEWS RELEASE
November 21, 2005

CFA still committed to meet with ministers

(REGINA) – Despite looming threats of a federal election the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is continuing with plans to hold a government-industry roundtable meeting in conjunction with the federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting this week in Regina. The aim of the meeting will be to discuss long-term strategies for agriculture policy.

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell, and his counterparts from every province, have been asked to take part in the meeting with farm leaders from across Canada. Farm leaders wish to discuss issues including the upcoming WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong, moving forward on the Wayne Easter report, and to present CFA’s proposal for a Farm Bill for Canada.

“CFA whole-heartedly agrees with the sentiments expressed by in recent days. We are looking for agriculture policy that will make a long-term substantial difference, something that will change agriculture,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President. “CFA believes we have ideas that will do just that. Industry has some innovative proposals to present to government this week.”

CFA will hold its roundtable meeting this Thursday, November 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Delta Regina Hotel in Regina Saskatchewan.

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