U.S.-Canada Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA)

Washington, D.C.
November 28, 2012

1. Shared Objectives and Interests

CCA Co-Chairs Meeting Readout

The United States and Canada agreed that the CCA continues to help improve our bilateral communication on agriculture issues.  Along with the bilateral relationship, the CCA has matured as the two countries continue to look for collaborative efforts to advance mutual interests.  Both sides agreed that the CCA provides a unique opportunity to sit face-to-face and discuss key issues.  The United States and Canada agreed to continue working together on Codex.

Adoption of Minutes

The United States and Canada adopted both the December 2011 and June 2012 CCA minutes.

Third Country Non-Tariff Barrier Issues

Canada and the United Stated discussed a number of third country non-tariff barrier issues relating to agriculture.

MRLs for Agricultural Chemicals

The United States and Canada are working actively to encourage third markets to adopt science-based maximum residue limits (MRL) for agriculture commodities to reduce potential trade disruptions.

Codex Collaboration and Governance Issues

The United States and Canada will continue to work together at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and have agreed to actively engage other countries on the importance of Codex.

Ractopamine MRL Adoption

The United States highlighted the importance of the recent CODEX adoption of an MRL for ractopamine and the need for countries to utilize the new standard.  The two countries reviewed the status of adoption in several countries, while noting the need to encourage and monitor adoption and usage in other countries.  

2. Plant and Processed Foods

Update on the Canadian Wheat Board

The United States acknowledged key operational developments to support smooth implementation to changes to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), including collaboration between the U.S. and Canadian industries via the Grain and Seed Task Group and Canada’s information session earlier in the fall.  The U.S. expressed concerns regarding the registered wheat varieties and looks forward to continued discussions on this issue.  The United States and Canada acknowledged the importance of the continued efforts by the Canada-U.S. Grain and Seed Task Group.  

Canada’s New Phytosanitary Requirements for Grains, Oilseeds, and Legumes (Directive D-12-01 and related directives)

The United States relayed its concerns regarding Canada’s new phytosanitary directive and the implication of these directives on the U.S. industry and regulatory agencies.  The United States requested that Canada postpone implementation in order to address concerns expressed by U.S. stakeholders and to allow sufficient time for the industry to adjust to the final requirements.  Canada noted that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is drafting a WTO notification which will provide additional information.  Canada stated that it will engage in outreach activities in order for stakeholders to better understand the new requirements.

3. Livestock and Meat Issues  

Third Country Market Access for Beef and Cattle

The United States and Canada exchanged information on their respective efforts, based on science, to gain beef and cattle access to priority third markets.  

Status of U.S. Rulemaking: BSE Comprehensive Rule, Test and Hold, E. coli, and Small Ruminants

The United States provided an update on the status of the four proposed U.S. rules.  The United States acknowledged awareness of the importance of these rules to Canada.  The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is reviewing several comments in response to the proposed test and hold rule.  FSIS reported that the E. coli non-0157 STEC testing rule was implemented in June 2012. 

Canada noted that it submitted comments concerning the BSE comprehensive rule during the comment period earlier this year.  The United States thanked Canada for its participation in the rule-making process and stated that until the rule is final, legal considerations prevent U.S. government officials from making any additional comments.

Country of Origin Labeling

In August 2012, the United States notified the WTO that it will come into compliance regarding country of origin labeling.

Other Livestock Issues

The United States and Canada exchanged information regarding other livestock issues for which they would like to collaborate. 

4. New Technology  

Biotechnology – Like Minded and LLP Coalitions     

The United States thanked Canada for its leadership for driving the low level presence (LLP) initiative internationally and looks forward to continued coordination with Canada to strengthen the group.  Canada noted that it has plans to host an educational conference before March 2013 in order to raise awareness about LLP and hopes to extend participation in the group beyond the current like-minded countries.

Third Country Market Access Issues

The United States and Canada discussed third country market access issues related to policies affecting the trade in genetically engineered products. Progress and barriers were noted. Both the United States and Canada agreed to continue sharing information on third country market access issues related to the adoption and trade in crops derived from new technologies.

5. Update on FTAs

U.S. and Canada FTAs

With regards to the E.U.-Canada FTA, Canada noted that are going forward and planned to be completed by the end of 2012. Canada mentioned that there had been some movement in discussion of the Canada-Korea FTA. Canada also mentioned that it had finished exploratory discussions with MERCOSUR in May 2012 and is in the process of considering what the next steps will be.

Trans Pacific Partnership

The TPP countries have set the goal of concluding negotiations in 2013. 

6. Review of CCA Action Items

The United States gave an overview of the short and long-term November 2012 CCA action items.  There are a few outstanding action items from the June CCA, which will be added to the November CCA action item list.