Ottawa, November 1, 2007 The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board and the Honourable David Emerson,
Minister of International Trade today welcomed the conclusion of an arrangement to
facilitate bilateral trade in potatoes destined for further repackaging or processing
between Canada and the United States.
The Government of Canada is working hard for Canadian farmers and the Canadian
potato sector, said Minister Ritz. The conclusion of the Technical Arrangement
Concerning Trade in Potatoes is another example of how close cooperation and consultation
with potato growers, processors and importers in both countries can lead to solutions that
benefit us all.
Canada and the U.S. have a longstanding partnership that serves as a foundation
for resolving issues together, said Minister Emerson. This government is
pleased to have signed an arrangement that will improve market access for producers and
processors on both sides of the border.
Canada and the U.S. are by far each others' largest export markets for potatoes. In
2006, Canadas exports of potatoes destined for further repackaging or processing
represented over $123 million.
The Technical Arrangement Concerning Trade in Potatoes comes into effect on November 1,
2007. It will be phased in over the next three years, focusing on four key elements:
Mutual recognition of Canadian and American standards and certification
procedures related to quality grade standards of imported potatoes.
Changes to Canada's administrative process for issuing Ministerial
Exemptions. Ministerial Exemptions are issued to alleviate a shortage in the Canadian
supply of potatoes. They waive the regulatory requirements for grade, packaging and
labelling, when there is evidence of a potato shortage in Canada, allowing Canadian
importers to purchase bulk containers of potatoes from other provinces or the U.S.
Currently, Ministerial Exemptions are issued by request on a case by case basis. In the
first two years of the Arrangement, historical data may be considered in the assessment of
potato shortages for the purpose of issuing Ministerial Exemptions. In year three of the
Arrangement, contracts between Canadian importers and American exporters may be considered
in this assessment.
The progressive elimination of American funding to spot-check Canadian
potatoes at north-eastern U.S. border crossings.
Initiation of an American rulemaking to propose that their
import requirements allow for the import of Canadian potatoes of a greater variety of
sizes or colour.
In addition to facilitating potato trade between Canada and the U.S., the arrangement
will provide opportunities for the reduction of various compliance costs for industry. It
recognizes that Canadian and American quality grade standards are reasonably comparable.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will retain
the right to develop quality assurance systems, establish phytosanitary requirements and
conduct inspections for health and safety reasons.
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For information:
Todd MacKay
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Ritz
613-759-1024
Media relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-228-6682
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
François Jubinville
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca
