The Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and six provincial counterparts in June, will now become a central element in the Council's strategic planning process.

The APF sets out a new vision for agriculture, and recognizes supply management as a pillar of risk management. It commits governments, working in consultation with industry, to improve environmental practices, promote innovation and skills development, and to improve business risk management capability.

The implementation of the framework will draw the full support of the Council and its partner agencies in the federal agricultural portfolio.

As Council renews its strategic plan for 2003-06, it will identify implementation requirements and areas for co-operation with industry. Discussions have already begun with agencies and industry associations. These will feed into Council's September meeting. Further discussions with industry stakeholders and government partners will follow so that the renewed strategic plan will be in place for the fiscal year that begins next April.

APF Targets Foreign Markets

The Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry will have a say in how the government uses new funding to boost exports to key markets.

The Government of Canada will invest $175 million over six years to support international market development for the Canadian agri-food industry, and help Canada push for greater liberalization in WTO negotiations on agriculture. The investment will be guided by consultations with industry. Minister Vanclief says the initiative will help ensure that Canada gains recognition for its leadership in meeting consumer demands for safe, high quality food.

Bom dia Brazil

Canadian exporters have gained access to the rapidly growing Brazilian market, under a reciprocal veterinary protocol signed by both governments.

Brazilian chicken consumption continues to rise, with trade data showing that domestic consumption gained 5.0 per cent during 2001 and is forecast to rise 7.2 per cent this year. The Brazilian turkey market is also growing at similar rates. The reciprocal agreement opens a route for Canadian processors to sell high-quality products in South America's largest consumer market.

Asia's Largest Food Trade Fair – Canada Pavilion Booking Now

Looking to connect with the growing Japanese market? The FOODEX food trade fair is booking now for the event next March 11-14 at the Nippon Convention Centre, near Tokyo. Last year's event was huge, with 2,375 exhibitors from 72 countries, and just under 90,000 visitors from Asia's food and beverage industry. In fact, the event is the largest food trade fair in Asia. It offers Canadian exporters excellent visibility in Japan, our second largest agri-food and fish export market.

The Canadian pavilion will be co-ordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Registration is first come, first served and closes no later than October 18, 2002.

For more information, please contact Robert Lazariuk at DFAIT at (613) 992-6185 or at robert.lazariuk@dfait-maeci.gc.ca. An information package has already been forwarded to the Council's Export Working Group.

Need a Tokyo office?

Japan's External Trade Organization (JETRO) offers foreign business representatives free private offices in Tokyo's central business district for up to four months. The Business Support Centres are also available in five other centres including Osaka.

The centres are staffed with advisors who know about marketing strategies, individual markets, and import procedures. They are also primed with advice about business contacts, making appointments, and are available to handle telephones, faxes and mail.

Interested? You can get in touch with JETRO at its Canadian offices in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, or go on-line at www.jetro.go.jp.

Paul Ouelette Heads AAAQ

Former Council member Paul Ouelette has been selected as president of the Association des abattoirs avicoles du Québec. Olymel, Quebec's largest poultry-processing company, has rejoined the association along with Exceldor and Giannone. Jacques Boulanger from Exceldor has been named Vice- President, and Bernard Jolicoeur of Giannone is the Secretary.

US Beef Levies Continue Despite Challenge

An appeals court in Minneapolis has ordered that beef checkoff collections will continue uninterrupted while it reviews a lower court ruling in South Dakota that declared the collections to be unconstitutional.

The Livestock Marketing Association had challenged the $1-per-head check-off, objecting to producer communications and generic promotion that could include imported beef. The lower court agreed that the checkoffs violated producers' speech and association freedoms.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association called the decision a significant victory for producers who support the industry's self-help program.

MEETINGS
Aug. 8-10	Canadian Cattlemen's Association Meeting (Winnipeg, MB)
Sept. 9-11	National Farm Products Council Meeting (Ottawa)
Sept. 18-19	CEMA Meeting (Ottawa)
Sept. 25-26	CTMA Meeting (Toronto, Ont)
Oct. 29-30	National Farm Products Council Meeting (Ottawa)
Nov. 1-2	CBHEMA Meeting (Ottawa)
Nov. 13-14	CEMA Meeting (Ottawa)
Nov. 26-27	CFC Meeting (Ottawa)
Nov. 27-28	CTMA Meeting (Ottawa)