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Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, and Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Mary Ng, released the following joint statement in response to the final rule released by the United States related to the "Product of USA" voluntary labelling regulations for meat, poultry and egg products.
"The meat and livestock sectors in Canada and the United States work closely together, supporting food security as well as local and regional food systems. Our indispensable relationship allows producers, processors and consumers on both sides of the border to benefit from efficient, stable and competitive markets, while ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality products.
Canada remains concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to the highly integrated North American meat and livestock supply chains.
We are disappointed that the final rule does not appear to take into account the concerns we have continually brought forward related to our unique and important trading relationship. Canada intends to raise this during the agriculture ministers trilateral meeting with United States and Mexico scheduled to take place in Colorado later this month.
We are reviewing the final rule carefully and will closely monitor its impacts and implementation, including in light of the U.S.' international trade obligations, to ensure our meat sector can continue to enjoy predictable and unhindered access to the United States market."