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FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS TO ASSIST TENDER FRUIT INDUSTRY

VINELAND STATION, Ont., April 26, 2004 – Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Bob Speller, John Maloney, MP for Erie-Lincoln and Gary Pillitteri, MP for Niagara Falls, today announced an investment of $85 million over the next seven years to eradicate Plum Pox Virus (PPV) and promote the economic viability of the tender fruit growing, processing and nursery industries.

PPV is not a threat to human or animal health. It is, however, a serious plant disease affecting tender fruit (which includes peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots) and ornamental varieties. The disease, first detected in areas of Ontario and Nova Scotia in 2000, infects trees and can drastically reduce marketability and crop yields.

The seven-year program, developed with the provinces and the industries, is designed to eradicate the disease using sampling, testing and tree removal where necessary. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and AgriCorp will continue to work together to sample and test trees in Ontario. Research conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the CFIA will continue to focus on improved detection methods, control and the molecular biology of the virus. The Government of Canada will finance those activities with a contribution of $65 million.

"This program will help ensure the long-term viability of this important sector of our agri-food industry," said Minister Speller. "This is an excellent example of federal, provincial and industry cooperation on an innovative, comprehensive and science-based eradication plan."

Commercial producers whose trees are removed as part of the eradication program will be eligible to receive financial assistance. Through federal and provincial compensation programs up to $20 million in direct assistance will be available.

"Working together, we’ve made tremendous progress against this disease," said Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food. "I’m confident that our continuing efforts will ensure that Ontario’s tender fruit industry thrives and survives."

The program will also help the continued development of an industry-led certification program to prevent the spread of PPV and other tree fruit viruses. All tender fruit and nursery industries across Canada will benefit from the program.

This seven-year program announced today builds on a three-year PPV program begun in 2001 that has successfully suppressed the disease in Niagara and has nearly eradicated it in some parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia. After reviewing the initial program and assessing the current situation, international and Canadian experts believe that PPV can be eradicated in Canada over the next several years.

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For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa
(613) 759-7972

Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa
(613) 228-6682

Office of Minister Peters
Mary Devorski
Senior Communications Advisor
(416) 326-3077