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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING INSPECTION RATE OF CUT FLOWER EXPORTS TO THE US

OTTAWA, November 3, 2004 – The Government of Canada announced today that it has received official notification from the United States government that the level of inspection at ports of entry for shipments of cut flowers grown in Canada is reduced from 100 per cent to five per cent.

In September, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) imposed mandatory 100 per cent inspection of all shipments of cut flowers exported to the US. This resulted in many shipments of cut flowers being delayed, and in numerous cases, shipments were refused entry, based on the presence of insects that are not considered to be quarantine pests in either Canada or the US.

Over the past several weeks, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) officials raised concern over mandatory inspection of cut flower shipments with their USDA counterparts. This led to the USDA decision to lower the inspection rate for Canadian grown flowers.

“The CFIA will continue to work collaboratively with the USDA to address US concerns regarding flower origin identification,” said Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We will work together with industry to implement any solutions that are identified.”

The CFIA is also working closely with Flowers Canada and the USDA to implement the Flowers Canada Cut Flower Export Program later this fall. This industry-developed program is designed to facilitate the export of cut flowers, including those of foreign origin, from certified Canadian facilities to the US market.

The Canadian floriculture industry is one of the largest sectors in Canadian horticulture. Exports of floral products to the US generate more than $435 million in revenue annually, of which $28 million is derived from cut flowers.

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For information:

Elizabeth Whiting
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office: (613) 759-1761 

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