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Federation of Agriculture Welcomes New Minister

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture (NLFA) would like to extend a warm welcome to Gerry Ritz, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The NLFA would also like to thank outgoing Minister Chuck Strahl for his achievements and hard work as Minster since his appointment in January 2006.

"Gerry Ritz's appointment to the agriculture portfolio comes at a very important juncture”, said NLFA President Merv Wiseman. “We are confident that his knowledge and background in dealing with agriculture issues will serve this province well in the Federal / Provincial Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement, which is currently being negotiated for renewal in 2008."

Strahl made important contributions to the sector during his year and a half in the position. These include establishing the development of a new national agriculture policy framework, overhauling the business risk management programs, taking action against dairy protein imports, defending the Canadian position during WTO negotiations, and beginning trade action against U.S. corn subsidies.

"Minister Strahl was very fair in his approach to dealing with agriculture for all regions, including Newfoundland and Labrador”, said Wiseman. “He made some significant contributions, especially at a time when agriculture needed special programming to deal with major issues affecting agriculture in Canada"

There are a number of challenges facing Gerry Ritz upon his arrival to the post. He will have to continue the development of the next generation of agriculture policy development, working with industry and the provinces to build upon the ‘Growing Forward’ framework. The Doha Round of WTO negotiations are continuing to develop slowly, meaning Ritz must look for ways to advance the talks while defending the Canadian position. He must also work at developing a national “Canadian Grown” food labeling system. Minister Ritz has a history of working with agriculture, to help him in facing these challenges. Mr. Ritz has served as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food, and Critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food. Mr. Ritz has also run his own farming operation before entering politics.

The NLFA looks forward to working with Minister Ritz in the future and wishes him success in his new post.