News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2004

(OTTAWA) - 'On behalf of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Canadian farmers I want to congratulate Andy Mitchell on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,' said Bob Friesen today, following the swearing-in of the new federal cabinet.

'At this time Canadian producers need a strong minister who will move quickly on the issues facing our industry and who is willing to work closely with industry groups in addressing those issues. With Mr. Mitchell's vast Parliamentary experience - specifically as Secretary of State for Rural Development - we are confident he will rise to the challenge.'

Two pressing issues the new Minister will have to deal with right away are the continued closure of borders to Canadian ruminants and ruminant products, and the Doha round of WTO trade negotiations which are getting underway again this week in Geneva. CFA will hold its semi-annual meeting in Quebec City, July 29-30, to discuss these and other issues facing the agri-food sector. CFA members request the new Minister attend and meet first hand with producers to begin building a strong relationship.

CFA also congratulates the Ministers of International Trade, the Environment, and Health. Their departments also deal with issues of concern to the agriculture sector. CFA looks forward to building strong relationships with Mr. Peterson, Mr. Dion and Mr. Dosanjh.

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Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.