Publié le décembre 08, 2011
OTTAWA – Canada’s Horticultural Industry is enthusiastic about the Joint Action Plan initiatives
proposed at today’s Regulatory Cooperation Council meeting, where Prime
Minister Steven Harper and President Barrack Obama, discussed two action plans designed to assist cross-border trade and
align regulatory approaches between Canada and the United States. The broad
plan is being well received and commended by all sectors.
CHC President, Jack
Bates, notes that "the Joint Action Plan Initiatives related to financial
risk mitigation tools, crop protection product approvals, a perimeter approach
to plant protection and common approaches to food safety are exactly what
industry has been seeking for many years". These, along with a number of
other items will help enhance producer competitiveness and lead to further
innovation in horticulture.
Specifically, the
Joint Action Plan initiatives will benefit Canada’s Horticultural industry by:
·
Focusing Canadian and U.S. efforts
on enhanced collaboration in food safety
and activities to allow for assessment and possible recognition of system
comparability.
·
Allowing
greater access for producers to tools available to manage production problems by further aligning crop protection product (e.g.,
pesticides) approvals and establishment of maximum pesticide residue
limits/tolerances.
·
Assisting
with financial risk mitigation associated with the damage caused by the
introduction and spread of harmful plant pests, diseases and invasive alien
species.
·
Developing a
perimeter approach to plant protection with a view to leverage each
country's efforts to mutual advantage and, where possible, streamline
certification requirements for cross-border shipments.
“This
is a good day and our industry is committed to working with officials to ensure
successful implementation of the action initiatives” added Bates.
Detailed backgrounders on the Joint Action Plan for
the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council and the areas of
cooperation and what the initiatives will mean are available at www.borderactionplan.gc.ca