CFA members head to Geneva for WTO Ministerial
NOTE: While in Geneva, CFA President Bob Friesen will be available for media interviews via cell phone, at (613) 866-7611.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Friesen, CFA President: (613) 866-7611 (cell); bob@cfafca.ca
Brigid Rivoire, CFA Executive Director: (613) 715-3113 (cell); brigid@cfafca.ca
Janice Hall, CFA Director of Communications: (613) 236-3633 ext. 2322; janice@cfafca.ca
July 18, 2008
OTTAWA—Canadian farmers will be well represented as the WTO Doha Round Ministerial meeting gets under way in Geneva starting July 21. Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) President Bob Friesen and leaders from many CFA member groups will be on hand to consult with Canadian ministers and trade officials during this intense negotiating process.
“We will be in frequent contact with Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Michael Fortier to ensure Canadian farmers’ voices continue to be heard at this critical stage of the Doha Round,” said Friesen.
WTO Agriculture Chair Crawford Falconer released the final version of the agriculture modalities text on July 10 in preparation for the Ministerial meeting.
“While the latest Falconer text has narrowed the number of technical “square brackets,” i.e. undecided issues, much work is still required to ensure that a good deal is struck for both Canada’s export and supply management sectors,” said Friesen.
The CFA commends Canada’s trade negotiators on work completed to date and reiterates its ongoing commitment to work with government in pursuing a successful conclusion to the WTO round of negotiations that will accrue benefits to all sectors of Canadian agriculture.
