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CANADA-U.S. POTATO CYST NEMATODE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

OTTAWA, October 6, 2006 - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is pleased to announce that Canada and the United States have reached an agreement that lifts virtually all of the temporary U.S. import restrictions implemented on certain agricultural products from the Province of Quebec after the detection of Golden Nematode.

The agreement restores trade access for all previously affected commodities in Quebec, except certain products from a small number of properties under quarantine in the area where Golden Nematode has been detected. The agreement also sees Canada lift restrictions on commodities from outside the regulated area in Idaho, where Pale Cyst Nematode was confirmed in April. Golden Nematode and Pale Cyst Nematode are two species of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) considered to be quarantine pests internationally.

"This agreement clearly illustrates how Canada's New Government is getting things done for Canadians, farmers and farm families," said Minister Strahl." In just over six weeks, we were able to negotiate an agreement that is in the best interests of Canada's agricultural sector and normalizes agricultural trade with our largest and most important trading partner."

With a view to avoiding broad trade restrictions on entire provinces or states following the detection of PCN, Canadian and American officials agreed on a science-based framework that allows for the creation of regulated areas. Commodities beyond these specified areas are not subject to PCN-related trade restrictions.

A joint Canada-U.S. technical working group has also been formed to address the medium- and long-term considerations for the management of PCN in both countries.

The Government of Canada continues to work with industry and the provinces to develop a new, more responsive disaster assistance program separate from income stabilization programming.

For more information please visit the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682

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