News release
MINISTER STRAHL ANNOUNCES MEETING WITH FARMERS TO DISCUSS BIOFUELS
OTTAWA, Ontario, June 7, 2006 — At the ministers’ meeting on renewable fuels on May 23, 2006, Canada’s new government reaffirmed its commitment to developing a biofuels strategy to ensure five per cent of transportation fuels will be renewable by 2010. A key part of this strategy involves the agricultural industry, and today, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, announced that he will host a “Farm and Fuel” meeting on June 19.
Invitations have been sent to a broad cross section of agriculture industry stakeholders. It is anticipated that participants will share their ideas for government action to stimulate the involvement of farmers along the biofuel value-chain.
“This new government is committed to renewable fuels and to ensuring there are opportunities for farmers to participate,” said Minister Strahl. “We want to find new technologies and new markets to put more money in producers’ pockets.”
Ideas gathered at this meeting will be further discussed at the next federal, provincial, territorial meeting of Agriculture Ministers scheduled for June 25-27 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Together, with input received directly from other stakeholders and the advice of provincial governments, they will help the government identify measures to support the renewable fuels strategy.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also working with Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada on a biofuels strategy that will achieve the 2010 target.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s approach to the biofuels strategy is focused on ensuring the maximum possible benefits for farmers, the environment and Canadians in general. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to long-term goals of building a vibrant agriculture industry and a healthier environment.
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For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl’s office
613-759-1059
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