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

Ottawa, ON
June 6, 2013

1. Introductions and Opening Remarks

The United States and Canada emphasized the importance of our bilateral agriculture relationship and the mutual interest to work together on common objectives. Both sides agreed that the CCA continues to help improve our bilateral communication on agriculture issues. 

Review of November 2012 Action Items

The United States and Canada agreed that finalizing a list of CCA action items prior to the conclusion of the meeting to monitor progress and results in the future is a useful practice that should be continued. The United States and Canada exchanged lists of countries where they have expanded access for beef related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The United States agreed to provide further details on their BSE list.

CCA Co-Chair’s Meeting Read-out

The United States and Canada agreed that the co-chair’s meeting continues to provide a useful opportunity for strategic discussion on issues of mutual importance. Both sides agreed to work together in a coordinated manner on multilateral issues.  

2. International Engagement and Cooperation

Building upon the direction given during the April 2013 meeting between United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Ritz, both sides acknowledged the importance of moving forward to collaborate in three key thematic areas: innovation, third country adoption of international standards, and new technologies.

Areas for Collaboration

a) Science and Technology (S&T)

The United States and Canada have a long history of collaboration in agriculture S&T. USDA’s Dr. Woteki and AAFC’s Dr. Mithani met in Ottawa in April 2013 to enhance the bilateral S&T relationship and to discuss strategic areas for cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue work to finalize the drafting of the “Canada-United States - Strategic Plan of Cooperation in Agriculture and Research and Development”. In addition, both sides agreed that regular S&T updates be provided in future CCA fora in recognition of the importance of science in driving innovation and competitiveness for the agriculture sector.

b) Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC)/Beyond the Border (BtB)

i. Renewal of RCC Framework

The United States and Canada acknowledged the importance of the RCC and BtB initiatives, and emphasized the need to move forward to complete existing initiatives. Canada agreed to share with the United States the “Financial Protection for Produce Sellers” proposed critical path. Both sides agreed that the June 2013 RCC event in Washington, D.C. presented an important opportunity to discuss the way forward for the RCC, including potential systemic approaches for on-going regulatory alignment.

ii. Northern Border Agenda

The United States and Canada exchanged information on their respective border fee measures. They agreed on the importance of continuing to share information on future measures, recognizing their potential impact on trade. Canada provided information on its proposed beef import levy.

c) Ninth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Cooperation in Bali 

The United States and Canada discussed areas of common interest in lead up to the
December 2013 Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia. 

d) CODEX Cooperation

The United States and Canada agreed to cooperate on opportunities at next CODEX meeting, and to use the CCA forum to develop a strategy going forward.

Third country adoption of international standards

Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) Adoption

The United States and Canada acknowledged the importance of collaborating to encourage third countries to adopt science-based MRLs for agricultural commodities to reduce potential trade disruptions. Both sides agreed to work together in advance of the American Chemical Society Conference in Indianapolis, September 2013.

Third Country Market Access

The two countries reviewed the status of ractopamine’s adoption in several countries, while noting the need to encourage countries to base measures on international standards and guidelines.

3. Innovative Agricultural Technologies

Common Interest in the Development of Domestic Low Level Presence (LLP) Policies

Canada provided an update on its domestic LLP policy and underlined the importance of working with the United States to show strong leadership on LLP, both domestically and internationally.

International Engagement on LLP

It was agreed that the United States and Canada would continue to collaborate on biotechnology, including LLP, through bilateral and multilateral engagements (e.g., Food and Agriculture Organization and Global LLP Initiative).

Third Country Market Access Issues

Both sides exchanged information on third country market access issues related to innovative agricultural technologies. The United States and Canada recognized that the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in China could provide an opportunity to advance international biotechnology discussions. Canada agreed to share information on the Sampling and Testing Protocol for Canadian Flaxseed Exported to the European Union. The United States shared information on the recent discovery of Genetically Engineered (GE) wheat in Oregon, including third market reactions.

GE Salmon

The United States responded to Canada’s request for an update on the Food and Drug Administration’s review of GE salmon and indicated the issue is still pending and that no timelines are available. 

4. Livestock and Meat Issues

Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)

Canada reiterated its position that a legislative, not regulatory, change is necessary to eliminate the discriminatory nature of the United States COOL measure and that the Farm Bill provides an opportunity to make such a legislative change.

Status of United Stated Rulemaking

Canada requested an update on the expected timeline for the finalization of the BSE comprehensive rule, as well as the status of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy small ruminants rule.  Canada further noted its interest in seeking the ability to fully transit small ruminants through the United States. The United States indicated that until the rules are final, legal considerations prevent United States government officials from making any additional comments.

Canada requested information on the extension of non-O157:H7 E. coli testing to include raw, non-intact beef.  The United States indicated testing is underway.  Details on expansion of testing other products are expected in future rulemaking. 

Ready-to-Eat-Meats

The United States and Canada are working together to resolve outstanding issues related to ready-to-eat meats.

Ban on Growth Hormones

The United States and Canada agreed to explore opportunities for joint engagement to resolve third country market access barriers related to growth hormones.

Canadian Live Swine

Both sides committed to encourage technical meetings between United States and Canada technical officials on the live swine issue.

Review of Dairy Actions in Canada

Canada provided clarification on several dairy related actions and noted it has no plans to change or modify standards at this time.

5. Plant and Processed Foods

Potato Cyst Nematode/Soybean Cyst Nematode

Updating potato cyst nematode guidelines is a high priority for Canada. Both sides committed to have technical meetings on potato/soybean cyst nematode.

Status of Changes in Container Size Regulations

Canada will be holding discussions with affected stakeholders focused on specific foods with container size requirements. The discussions will inform regulatory process in advance of formal Canada Gazette regulatory amendment process. Canada will keep the United States informed of any developments.

Status Update on Varietal Registration

Canada provided clarification on its grain varietal registration and grain grading system.

Canada's requirements for the importation of United States grains, pulses oilseed and some cereals (D-12-05) and for the control of plants regulated as pests (D-12-01)

Canada has kept the comment period open for D-12-05 since circulation in fall 2012 to allow affected stakeholders time to provide comments on new requirements. The Canada-United States Grain and Seed Industry Task Group is in the process of finalizing a study of Canadian importers to improve understanding of how imported grains are used in Canada. Canada will work with the United States on results of United States sample survey.

Canada’s Response to United States Questions on Grain from November CCA

Canada agreed to provide the United States an updated electronic version of the Grain and Seed Q&As.

6. Other Items

Provincial State Advisory Group

The United States and Canada agreed to reach out to their respective co-chairs of the Provincial State Advisory Group by July 2013 to determine opportunities for the two groups to work together. Next steps related to this issue will be discussed at the December 2013 CCA.

CCA Minutes - Draft minutes from November 2012 CCA

Both sides agreed to finalize the November 2012 minutes by June 21, 2013.

Review of Action Items from June 2013 meeting

The United States and Canada developed a list of twenty-two (22) action items from the June 2013 CCA.