IV Meeting of the Canada-Brazil Consultative Committee on Agriculture - September 27 to 29, 2010

The IV Canada-Brazil CCA meeting was a three-day event that focused on discussion of areas of common interest for cooperation, resolving bilateral trade issues and coordinating the implementation of joint projects in agriculture.Brazil requested scheduling of a technical mission to Santa Catarina in order to advance the current risk assessment.

September 27, 2010 - Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec

The first day focused on discussions of opportunities to enhance scientific cooperation on innovation between the two countries.

Opening remarks
Both countries highlighted the importance of strengthening our science and innovation relationship as well as the development of science-based business opportunities between the two countries.

Areas of interest and opportunities to enhance scientific cooperation
Canada and Brazil agreed that the next topics to be explored under the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-AAFC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will include food technology, precision agriculture, improving efficiency of animal production and agri-environment issues (climate change, low carbon agriculture, biological control, etc.).
The contacts for upcoming initiatives are:
Brazil:     Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi, EMBRAPA
Canada:  Donovan St-Hilaire and Mario de Tilly, Saint-HyacintheSciencePark
             Carole Morneau, AAFC

Technolope de Saint-Hyacinthe/Cité de la Biotechnologie: Engaging the agri-business in innovation – Successes stories in Brazil
Canada and Brazil agreed to engage in future dialogue to mobilize efforts for further cooperation between the Saint-Hyacinthe Science Park and MAPA.

Canada introduced Brazil to Multi-Biotech, a platform created for the expansion of business opportunities in the area of bio-technology between Canada and Spain, and Chile. Canada indicated it would also welcome MAPA’s participation to serve as a link between Canada and Brazilian science parks and clusters.

Canada also introduced Brazil to INNOVET, a business-oriented event led by the Saint-Hyacinthe Science Park, in cooperation with other international clusters. Saint-Hyacinthe will host the next INNOVET in October 2010. The following year, the event will be in Lyon, France. Canada welcomed the participation of Brazil in this event.
Contacts for Multi-Tech and INNOVET are:
Brazil:    Kátia Marzall, MAPA
Canada: Donovan St-Hilaire and Mario de Tilly, Saint-HyacintheSciencePark

Regarding further opportunities for science cooperation, Canada indicated that the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montreal situated in Saint-Hyacinthe is interested in developing closer links with Brazilian universities and bio-technology companies. 
Contact:  Michel Fortin, President and CEO, Prevtec Microbial

ACTION ITEMS:

• Canada and Brazil to continue dialogue to agree upon the next research activities to be developed under the EMBRAPA-AAFC MOU in the areas of food technology, precision agriculture and improving the efficiency of animal production and the agri-environment.
• Brazil to consider its participation in Multi-Biotech.
• Brazil to consider its participation at INNOVET.
• Canada to discuss opportunities with Brazil to strengthen the links between Canadian and Brazilian universities and bio-technology companies.
  Contacts: Kátia Marzall (MAPA, Brazil)
                 Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi, EMBRAPA
                Carole Morneau (AAFC, Canada)

Engaging agri-business in innovation
The cooperation between Saint-Hyacinthe Science Park and MAPA is been considered in four fronts:

1. Initially, MAPA would like to strengthen contact with the Saint-Hyacinthe Science Park management. Brazil is searching for mechanisms to promote technology development, especially looking for governmental tools to enhance technology transfer and business opportunities. We would be interested in learning about the Park’s structure, mainly the Governmental Role in its organization and management, and technology transfer and negotiation tools, including initiatives such as Multi-Biotech and Initia. We propose a technical meeting of three days (circa), in the beginning of 2011 (February or March) between Saint-Hyacinthe Science Park Administration and two or three Brazilian Officers to exchange information. During this meeting, it will also be possible to establish in more detail the involvement of Brazilian enterprises and research institutes in the other cooperation areas, as mentioned next.
2. The subsequent cooperation area is Brazilian participation in Multi-Biotech. MAPA has already contacted some enterprises which have shown interest in being part of the initiative. The role of the Government, through MAPA will be to mediate the participation of biotec enterprises and research institutes. We would appreciate information regarding the calendar of activities and events related to Multi-Biotech.
3. MAPA also is available to promote a wider range of contacts which possibly might be of interest for cooperation with Prevtec Microbia. There is the possibility of Prevtec to participate in a business-oriented event in bio-technology, which takes place every year in the State of Minas Gerais (INNOVATEC), where most of the related initiatives are present.
4. Finally, the possibility of participating in at INNOVET in its 2011 edition was very welcomed among the veterinary related enterprises. We would appreciate having more information regarding the event, as well as some background of former editions. 

September 28, 2010 - Ottawa, Ontario

 The second day focused on policy-related themes, including discussions on mechanisms to strengthen bilateral relations, each country’s respective directions on domestic agricultural policy, and the resolution of sanitary and phytosanitary and other trade policy issues. 

Approval of 2009 Minutes
Minutes from the III Meeting of the Canada-Brazil CCA were approved and signed by both parties.

International Trade Policy

A. WTO agriculture negotiations
With respect to the Doha Round, despite the lack of progress, Brazil indicated that it remains optimistic and eager to continue its efforts in moving the negotiations forward. It expressed the opinion that countries with high domestic subsidy levels should demonstrate additional flexibility in the negotiations.

Canada expressed its commitment to achieving the elimination of export subsidies, substantial reductions in domestic support and substantial improvements in market access, and emphasized that it is prepared to continue to discuss outstanding issues such as tariff simplification and the special safeguard mechanism.

Both countries expressed concerns that discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and reference agreements are not always based solely on scientific evidence.

B. Regional and Bilateral Trade Initiatives Agenda
Brazil is engaged in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Mexico, Cuba, Guyana and Suriname, with the objective of reducing tariffs.

With respect to MERCOSUR, Brazil reported that negotiations are underway with Jordan, Morocco and Turkey, and that it is attempting to resume negotiations with the European Union (EU). MERCOSUR intends to initiate negotiations with the Dominican Republic, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Canada reported that it has identified priority markets based on economic factors, grouping countries into “risk markets”, where Canadian industry is losing share, and “growth markets”, where there are opportunities to insert Canadian companies into value chains.

Canada’s FTAs with Peru and with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are currently under review at the WTO. The agreement with Colombia has received Royal Assent; and the agreement with Jordan and Panama are before Parliament. Negotiations with Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, Central America and CARICOM are under way. Canada is participating in exploratory discussions with Turkey, Morocco, India and Japan.

Canada and the EU are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with a wide ranging agenda that includes trade in goods, bio-technology, intellectual property, government procurement and others.

Update on Domestic Agriculture Policy

A. Brazil

Agricultural policy update
Brazil provided an overview of its agriculture sector, which has been showing a strong recovery in 2010, after the weather challenges it faced in the previous year. Agricultural production reached 150 million tonnes, with soybeans and corn as the main products. In addition, there was a significant increase in the production of ethanol in response to higher demand for ethanol-powered car engines.

Brazil has seen an increase in the number of joint ventures and mergers among large companies in the beverages and animal protein sectors, particularly bovine meat.

Rural credit has increased significantly, especially in the central eastern portion of the country, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture and support for increasing the competitiveness of co-operatives.

Brazil has developed a domestic policy to ensure a sufficient level of income for farmers, targeting particular products or regions, which are most in need of intervention.

Brazil expressed concerns related to its dependency on imported agriculture inputs such as NPK fertilizer, where Brazil produces only 35% of the NPK consumed.

The future directions of the Brazilian domestic agricultural policy are focused on increasing the availability of rural credit, support for domestic commercialization, support for medium-sized producers, consolidation and enhancement of rural insurance, strengthening of co-operatives, stimulating sustainable development of agriculture, strengthening production of bio-fuels, reducing dependency on imported fertilizers and developing agricultural income support programs.

B. Canada

Growing Forward and Agriculture Policy Framework
Canada provided an overview of Growing Forward, the current framework for agricultural policy in Canada. Its three strategic outcomes are (1) a competitive and innovative sector; (2) a sector that contributes to society’s priorities and (3) a sector proactive at managing risk.

In terms of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, Growing Forward is made up of four programs, including:

• AgriInvest – a new savings account where governments match producers’ deposits;
• AgriStability – a margin-based program where government payments are related to declines in margins against the historical period, permitting the market signals to flow through;
• AgriInsurance – actuarially-sound insurance program that provides coverage for select commodities;
• AgriRecovery – a framework under which individualized programs can be developed to address small- and medium-sized disasters.

Canada is currently working on the development of its next agriculture policy framework, with new programming anticipated for April 2013.

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada to share information with Brazil regarding AgriInvest and Canada’s farm income programs.
  Contacts: Marcelo Fernandes Guimarães (MAPA, Brazil)
                Julie Rochon (AAFC, Canada)

Canadian Production Insurance Program
Canada provided an overview of the AgriInsurance (AI) Program. It is based on voluntary enrolment, and covers most commercially-produced crops. 

The current Brazilian program covers only losses resulting from extreme weather conditions. However, the development of a more comprehensive program is being considered.

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada to share with Brazil information regarding AgriInsurance.
  Contacts: Marcelo Fernandes Guimarães (MAPA, Brazil)
               Julie Rochon (AAFC, Canada) 

Canada’s Animal Welfare Approach
Canada presented an overview of its animal welfare approach. 

Challenges include understanding consumer demand and perceptions, promoting and implementing national standards, using World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines as the basis for international cooperation, keeping animal welfare science-based and focused on animal outcomes, de-linking animal welfare from other method-of-production concerns (e.g., ethics, environmental contamination and antibiotic use) and avoiding a proliferation of labels and claims.

Brazil has major concerns related to farm animals’ welfare. More generally, MAPA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA) to standardize the criteria for animal welfare. There is interest in further discussion with Canada regarding the Canadian legislative infrastructure, standards and research initiatives.

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada and Brazil to exchange information on their respective animal welfare approaches and explore possible collaboration in this area.
   Contacts: Kátia Marzall (MAPA, Brazil)
                 David Trus (AAFC, Canada)

Bilateral Trade Policy Issues

Low Level Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Canada commented that although innovative technologies, such as bio-technology, are critical for increasing the food supply, the asynchronous approval across markets creates barriers to trade. It is also imperative that countries make approval decisions that are science-based. Canada’s primary concern is low level presence (LLP). 

Brazil currently does not have policy in place to deal with LLP but shares Canada’s concerns with respect to GMOs in agriculture products. 

Protocol for Canadian Flaxseed Exported in Containers to Brazil
Brazil accepted Canada’s proposed protocol for Canadian flaxseed exported in containers to Brazil. Both parties agreed that the protocol will come into effect once the minutes of the 2010 meeting are agreed upon and signed.

MAPA requested flaxseed reference material (Triffid seed and non-GMO seeds) from Canada to facilitate future analysis by the Brazilian technical laboratory.

ACTION ITEM:

• Implement the flaxseed protocol after the approval of the 2010 minutes.
• Canada to propose dates for an on-site visit by Brazil once Canadian flaxseed shipments to Brazil have resumed under the protocol.
• Canada to respond to Brazil’s request for reference material (Triffid seed and non-GM seeds).
  Contacts: Juliana Ribeiro Alexandre (MAPA, Brazil)
                Jarett Goodwin (CGC, Canada)

Canadian Market Access for Wheat and Barley
Canada is seeking more certainty in its access to the Brazilian market in response to Brazil’s withdrawal of its wheat tariff rate quota (TRQ) commitment in 1996. Canada has formally asked Brazil to add wheat and barley to its list of exemptions from MERCOSUR’S common external tariff (CET). 

Brazil responded that the elimination of the CET would impose unacceptable pressure on Brazilian wheat producers and that the non-inclusion of wheat and barley in the list of exemptions does not preclude Canada’s products to entering the Brazilian market. Brazil noted that each country is permitted 100 tariff lines on its list. If Brazil were to add wheat, it would have to remove another product. Brazil noted that wheat had been added to its list of exceptions in the past only due to exceptional circumstances.

Canada asked Brazil to reconsider this request and, if the CET can not be removed, to propose an alternate compensation package for the withdrawal of the TRQ.

ACTION ITEM:

• Brazil to respond to Minister Ritz’s letter that formally requested that Brazil remove MERCOSUR’s common external tariff for wheat and barley or propose alternate ways by which Canada can be compensated by Brazil for the withdrawal of its wheat TRQ in 1996.
  Contacts: TBD (MAPA, Brazil)
                 Alan Schlachter (AAFC, Canada)

Canada-Brazil Cooperation

Discussion of other technical cooperation initiatives under the AAFC-
EMBRAPA MOU on Scientific and Technical Cooperation
Brazil indicated that it is aiming at increasing the productivity of its canola crops and, therefore, would like to cooperate with Canada, particularly in the area of canola germosplasm.

Brazil provided an overview of its agricultural research investments, which are focused on plant domestication and animal production as well as agricultural practices such as minimum tillage, ethanol production, and soya production.

Canada acknowledged that there has always been positive collaboration between AAFC and EMBRAPA, and suggested that the two countries continue to exchange young scientists and to collaborate on innovation, food technology, and veterinarian science.

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
Canada highlighted the technical work being developed by Canada and Brazil at IICA to rebuild the agriculture department in Haiti.

Recently, Brazil raised the possibility of increasing cooperation between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IICA, which Canada supports.

Brazil also suggested that IICA could play an important role in preparing certain countries to implement international guidelines, such as the ones established by Codex Alimentarius.

Training on Canadian quality control standards for wheat
Brazil expressed interest in better understanding Canadian quality standards for wheat as it is currently revising its own standards. Brazil provided Canada with a proposal for a training program for Canada’s consideration.

Canada will review Brazil’s proposal and provide comments.

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada to follow-up with Brazil on the proposed training program on Canadian quality standards for wheat.
  Contacts: Maçao Tadano(MAPA, Brazil)
                Jarett Goodwin (CGC, Canada)

SPS Technical Session

A. Brazil’s Issues

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

(a) Access for Brazilian pork
Brazil noted that the information requested by Canada was provided to the CFIA on August 23, 2010. The CFIA confirmed that two veterinarians have been assigned to the file and are reviewing the information provided.

Brazil noted that it expects the U.S. to publish its final ruling regarding the export of pork from Santa Catarina as early as September 30, 2010.

ACTION ITEM

• The CFIA to write to MAPA by the end of October outlining next steps and proposing timing for an inspection visit.

(b) Access for Brazilian Beef Products
Brazil requested that all 17 states that are zoned free of FMD with vaccination be assessed. The CFIA agreed to complete its risk assessment for all 17 states, and requested that the Secretaria de Defesa Agropecuária (SDA) select a sample of plants in two states for the purpose of conducting the inspection visit. Brazil noted that it was difficult for the SDA to comply with CFIA’s request to select states that are most likely to export so that the CFIA can focus its analysis on those areas. 

ACTION ITEM

• The CFIA will include all 17 states of the zone free of FMD with vaccination under the risk assessment for aged boneless beef.
• In consultation with its beef industry, SDA will propose a sample of beef establishments in two states to be visited by the CFIA.
  Contacts: Denise Euclydes Mariano da Costa (MAPA, Brazil)
                Daniel Burgoyne, (CFIA, Canada)

Access for Brazilian Pet Food
Brazil requested that Canada remove its restrictions for the import of pet food of bovine origin, noting it has the same OIE classification for BSE as Canada. 

The CFIA noted that the Canadian BSE import policy is based on OIE standards and that SRMs are removed from all food, feed, and fertilizer used in Canada. Brazil assured to follow the OIE standards for BSE, and stated that the Brazilian pet food wouldn’t represent a risk for the Canadian sanitary status.

ACTION ITEM

• Brazil will send the CFIA a letter outlining the steps followed in the processing of pet foods for Canada’s consideration. The CFIA will review the material once received.
  Contacts: Denise Euclydes Mariano da Costa (MAPA, Brazil)
                Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

Brazilian Papaya: Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
The PMRA noted that it has completed an initial review of the documentation submitted by Brazil, and that additional information is required to complete its analysis of acceptable MRLs.

The CFIA recommended that Brazil deal directly with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA, Health Canada), but that it also carbon copy the CFIA to facilitate progress on this file. The CFIA noted that if a product is not registered in Canada, the MRL is set by default at 0.1 ppm as per Codex Alimentarius standards. It also noted the initial evaluation of thiabendazole and EBDC levels in papaya production, completed by Health Canada indicated that 10 ppm was an acceptable level. 

ACTION ITEM

• Brazil to work directly with the PMRA to advance the application for MRLs.
  Contacts: Denise Euclydes Mariano da Costa (MAPA, Brazil)
                Monique Thomas (HC/PMRA, Canada)

Poultry: Cutting Room Temperature
Brazil reviewed the history on this file, and explained that the labour unions in Brazil require workers to take a 15 minute break every hour when the work area temperature is 10ºC or less, resulting in loss of productivity as a result of Canada’s cutting room temperature requirements.

Brazil noted that the CFIA has proposed to increase the maximum temperature to 12ºC with certain conditions, noting in particular the need to ensure that the meat reaches 4ºC within 4 hours of slaughter. Brazil noted that it will be proposing to the CFIA an alternative process that has a comparable outcome to the requirements that the CFIA has outlined. 

ACTION ITEM

• Brazil to provide a proposal on cutting room temperatures to the CFIA.
  Contacts: Denise Euclydes Mariano da Costa (MAPA, Brazil)
                Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

B. Canada’s Issues

Canadian access for cattle in Brazil (BSE)
The CFIA noted that Canada had received a questionnaire from Brazil on BSE, but had yet to provide a response. The CFIA noted that it is assessing, among other things, the level of interest in the market from Canadian Industry. The CFIA asked Brazil whether or not Brazilian industry had expressed interest in importing cattle from Canada. 

Brazil committed to surveying the interests of Brazilian industry.

Other Trading Relationships
There was a useful exchange of information on various countries to which we both export products and which presented the same technical problems. 

Both countries agree that it would be useful to have a future dialogue on Russia, and in particular, on how the Eurasian Customs Union may impact trade.

September 29, 2010 - Ottawa, Ontario

The third day was dedicated to agri-environmental themes, which included a tour of the South Nation Watershed Evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices (WEBs) project.

Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA)
Canada provided an overview of the GRA, of which Brazil is an observer country, and discussed the work to date in implementing the GRA.

Within the GRA, three research groups have been created; Rice Paddy Systems, Livestock and Cropping systems. The Rice Paddy group recently met, and Canada noted that the next livestock-focused meeting will take place in Banff, Canada, on October 8-9, 2010. Brazil confirmed its intention to attend the meeting.

In addition to the three Research Groups, Canada noted that two cross-cutting issue groups have been created: inventory and measurement co-led by Canada with the Netherlands; and, carbon sequestration and nitrogen cycling.

Brazil discussed its concerns that the GRA’s focus on mitigation rather than also on adaptation technologies and practices. Canada noted that, although the primary focus of the GRA has been on mitigation, significant opportunities exist to promote synergies and balance between mitigation and adaptation efforts. Brazil announced that a decision has been made to formalize its participation at the GRA during the next meeting of Senior Officials early in 2011. 

Canada expressed its satisfaction with Brazil’s decision to join the GRA.

Brazil also noted concerns related to the possibility that GRA’s work related to the reduction of greenhouse gases be used as a trade barrier in the future. Canada noted that in its view, the GRA is solely a forum for collaboration and for avoiding duplication of efforts across countries, and that it will not create barriers to trade.

Brazil and Canada expressed mutual interest in continuing discussions and developing future collaboration.

The contacts for identifying future collaborative efforts are:
Brazil:    Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi, EMBRAPA
Canada: Robert Patzer, AAFC

ACTION ITEM:

• Brazil and Canada to exchange contacts to bring together experts from Canada and Brazil to initiate discussions and collaboration within the GRA forum.
  Contacts: Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi (EMBRAPA, Brazil)
                 Robert Patzer (AAFC, Canada)

Low Carbon Agriculture Programme
Brazil expressed its support for sustainable agricultural production and discussed its efforts to reduce the level of deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado (Brazilian ecosystem similar to savannas) areas.

Brazil provided an overview of its Low Carbon Agriculture Programme, announced in May 2010, which would provide low tax lines of credit to farmers who employ sustainable techniques of production and restore degraded areas.  Twelve sectoral plans on mitigation and adaptation have been developed to stimulate sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration and encourage new research on crop adaptation.

Brazil discussed its work to date in both agro-forestry and no-tillage systems and Canada noted significant potential for synergies with Canadian efforts. 

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada and Brazil to exchange information on agro-forestry.
  Contacts: Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi (EMBRAPA, Brazil) 
                Robert Patzer (AAFC, Canada)

Adapting to Environment Change
Canada provided an overview of its past efforts to assist the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector manage weather and climate variability as well as discussed the integrated initiatives to develop long, medium and short-term approaches to the challenges of climate change. These initiatives include foresight workshops on climate change impacts, and adaptation scenarios for the year 2030 (long-term); a series of commissioned research papers on climate change adaptation; a climate change strategy (medium-term); and a roadmap for climate change adaptation at the local/regional level (short-term).

Canada noted that greater discussions must take place at the local level to determine the impacts and appropriate activities to reduce the impacts of climate change. 

Brazil stated that it shares Canada’s concerns and, similar to Canada’s approach, has also implemented climate change workshops in 26 states to tackle the differing needs and peculiarities of each state. Brazil has also implemented changes in the curriculum of colleges and universities to broaden the knowledge of future professionals in environment-related subjects. Brazil and Canada both noted that the success of these programs depends upon producers’ full participation and engagement.

Earth Observation and Monitoring
Canada explained that Earth Observation (EO) is used to gather information on Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems. Due to Canada and Brazil’s size and landscape diversity, EOs from satellites are critical to providing cost effective, timely, accurate and repeatable information to support decision making. Canada noted that both Canada (Radarsat) and Brazil (CBERS) have made significant contributions to the global earth observation satellite network.

Canada highlighted that there is potential for Canada and Brazil to work collaboratively through the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), which is coordinating efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems, or GEOSS. GEO provides a framework within which these partners can develop new projects and coordinate their strategies and investments.

In addition, Canada noted that there is considerable opportunity for the two countries to collaborate through data sharing and scientific exchange. 

ACTION ITEM:

• Canada and Brazil to explore opportunities for collaboration through data sharing and scientific exchange. 
  Contacts: Denise Deckers (MAPA)
                Robert Patzer (AAFC, Canada)

Agri-Environmental Policy Directions
Canada provided an overview of the evolution of the Canadian agriculture industry over the past 25 years with producers increasing their efficiency and yields from a finite amount of land. Canada discussed the overall improvement in soil quality due to improved land management, the shifting of agricultural soils from a net source of GHGs to a net sink and the deepening understanding by Canadian producers that sound environmental practices can help to enhance efficiency, productivity and profitability. Canada noted that there are still issues of concern across the country, including risks to water quality and an increase in nitrous oxide and methane emissions. 

Canada also noted that the retail industry’s increasing interest in environmental goals, for example eco-labelling, will generate more pressure–and opportunity–for agricultural producers. Canada discussed its lessons learned for future policy directions such as building scale-appropriate solutions. 

Brazil commented that while there is significant pressure on the country to take further actions on climate change, those pressures must be balanced with the need to maintain or improve agricultural production to meet the food requirements for a growing worldwide population.

Brazil and Canada agree that there are many opportunities for cooperation, particularly on agri-ecological zoning and indicators of land quality and criteria for monitoring land use systems.

GENERAL ACTION ITEMS:

• Canada and Brazil to continue dialogue on agri-environment issues and identify areas of common interest for collaboration. Follow-up with subsequent meetings.
• Canada and Brazil to work collaboratively through exchange of information between experts.
  Contacts: Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi (EMBRAPA, Brazil) 
                Robert Patzer (AAFC, Canada)

Closing Remarks

Canada and Brazil thanked each other for a productive three-day meeting and agreed to continue following-up on planned activities and moving forward on the issues discussed during the meeting.

The parties agreed to meet again in 2011.

Tour: South Nation Watershed Evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices (WEBs)
Canada provided an overview of the Watershed Evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices (WEBs) National Project and the South Nation Site Project. The WEBs project assesses the costs and environmental benefits of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) at the watershed scale so that researchers can get a clearer picture of their performance by evaluating the combined effects of soils, topography, local climate and land use. In addition, the WEBs studies are conducted on working farms where operational realities are taken into consideration in designing and conducting experiments. 

The South Nation tour was comprised of two stops, a visit to a Controlled Tile Drainage site and a visit to a cattle access site. During the Controlled Tile Drainage visit, Canada explained the economic and environmental benefits of implementing a controlled tile drainage system, which unlike an uncontrolled drainage system, reduces nutrient and fecal contamination of the watershed while also increasing crop yields. The Brazilian delegation posed a series of questions related to how extensive the need for drainage systems is within the Canadian agricultural system and impact and feasibility of the drainage system for different crop types.

The Brazilian delegation next visited a restricted access cattle site where the impacts of off-stream watering of cattle were being compared with other areas of the watershed where cattle has access to streams. Discussion centered around researchers’ efforts to track the source of microbials through DNA testing within the watershed and the impact of controlling cattle access on reducing pathogen loading.