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| Fourteenth Meeting of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord JOINT COMMUNIQUE March 13, 2004 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Puerto Vallarta - Continuing a long-standing province/state relationship among Mexico, Canada, and the United States (U.S.), the State of Jalisco hosted the 14th annual meeting of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Puerto Vallarta, March 10-13, 2004. Secretaries, Commissioners, Directors, Ministers and senior government officials from 5 Canadian provinces, 22 U.S. states and 18 Mexican states worked together to improve understanding and strengthen collaboration among the agricultural sectors of the three NAFTA countries. As host of the 2004 Accord, the Hon. Juan Jose Sanchez Aldana Eguiarte, Secretary of Rural Development for the State of Jalisco, welcomed the delegations of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord and emphasized the importance of agriculture in Jalisco. Delegates from the three NAFTA countries were also welcomed by the Hon. Javier Usabiaga Arroyo, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food for Mexico. Secretary Usabiaga stressed the importance of the Accord as it strengthens relationships among the three countries and assists their respective federal governments in developing public policies that reflect a unified North American marketplace. The delegates visited several agricultural operations, facilities
and rural family production cooperatives. The delegates learned
about the State of Jalisco’s production systems and had
the opportunity to meet with producers. The producers shared
their perspectives on existing infrastructures, finance systems,
and public policies that directly influence Mexican agriculture. At the plenary session, senior federal officials from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico provided an update on BSE and committed to harmonizing standards and restoring trade within the North American market. Delegates then reviewed the 2003 accomplishments of their respective bilateral working groups and set new goals for cooperative efforts in the coming year. The Mexican and Canadian delegations were given an update from senior federal officials on the activities of the Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA) such as the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol, and promoting enhanced relationships between Canadian and Mexican bean producers. The delegates reviewed the 2003-2004 workplan and exchanged information on a variety of issues. The Canadian and Mexican delegations expressed concerns regarding Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) in the U.S. and agreed to send a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlining their opposition to the legislation. Representatives from Jalisco and Saskatchewan presented a report regarding agricultural support programs that distort trade. The Mexican delegates proposed the establishment of a working group to develop criteria to examine the impact of these programs on agriculture in North America. Sonora and British Columbia shared information on sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues and the impact of anti-dumping measures under NAFTA. A draft letter to the CCA has been prepared on these issues. The Mexican delegation expressed concern regarding the lack of symmetry between NAFTA countries and outlined issues related to migration, rural development, environmental protection, and project financing. They proposed the establishment of a tri-national fund to address these issues and to move towards a more global vision for food security. The Canadian delegates acknowledged the issues identified by the Mexican delegates and suggested that these issues be considered by the CCA. The U.S. and Mexican delegations received an update on farm labor reform legislation. They also received a report from the State of New Mexico on the new Bioterrorism Act as this issue is also being discussed at the Border Governors Conference. The delegates also received a briefing from federal officials regarding the development and advances of the CCA and expressed their interest in the process. Dr. Victor Villalobos, Director of International Affairs, SAGARPA, provided information on the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol. The delegates reviewed the 2003-2004 workplan and agreed to continue working on the certification of organic products. They will also continue to closely monitor U.S. legislation on the COOL for meat products. Both delegations agreed to work together on an agenda that defines the steps that would contribute to the development of rural development policies. Other issues included state-to-state agreements to market agriculture products, technical training, nutrition and obesity, and noxious weeds. It was agreed that a working group with delegates from Mexico,
U.S. and Canada will be formed to establish a process to consider
regional rural development policies. One of the tasks for this
working group will be to develop an agenda for a future summit. The Canadian and U.S. delegations agreed on the importance of protecting the security of the food supply in North America and the need to coordinate the role of states and provinces. Bioterrorism and the impact of legislation remains an issue that is being monitored by the Canada-U.S. Bioterrorism Working Group. Delegates had considerable discussion on animal health issues, particularly BSE and other diseases such as bluetongue, anaplasmosis, brucellosis and tuberculosis. With respect to BSE, delegates agreed to share information on disposal of specified risk materials, surveillance and testing, and maintaining consumer confidence in the food supply. Delegates will continue to encourage federal officials to resolve BSE and other animal health issues affecting bilateral trade. U.S. officials noted the importance of developing an effective and approved rapid BSE test as soon as possible. Delegates took note of the excellent ongoing regional collaboration between states and provinces including the Montana-Alberta Agricultural Opportunities Conference, the Great Lakes Regional Forum, and the Pacific North West meeting on ornamental issues and opportunities. A number of new items were added to the 2004-2005 workplan such as invasive species, wine trade and custom duties, the coordination of feed standards, and joint marketing opportunities for agricultural products. At the close of the Puerto Vallarta meeting, the U.S. delegation
extended an invitation to their Canadian and Mexican colleagues
to come to the U.S. for the Fifteenth Meeting of the Tri-National
Accord in 2005. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ |