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

Ottawa
December 2, 2014 

I. Introductions and Opening Remarks

The United States and Canada emphasized the mutual benefit and the importance of continuing cooperation and collaboration to achieve common objectives and to advance these objectives globally.  Both sides reiterated support for the quarterly coordinator calls which will improve the effectiveness of the CCA and allow room for more strategically focused discussion at face-to-face meetings. 

Review of February 2014 Action Items

The United States and Canada noted that many of the action items from the previous CCA had been completed; the list of ongoing items was also updated.

Adoption of Minutes

The United States and Canada adopted the February 2014 CCA minutes.

CCA Co-Chairs Meeting Read-out

The United States and Canada agreed that the co-chairs meetings provide a good opportunity for relationship building and open discussion on key issues.  The co-chairs reported that they discussed country of origin labeling (COOL), the World Trade Organization (WTO) post-Bali agenda, the next phase of the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), collaboration on issues of mutual interest in third-country markets, the importance of ongoing research collaboration, and the benefits of exploring further opportunities for working together, including on bee/pollinator health.  The co-chairs also continued engagement on financial protection for produce sellers.  Participants exchanged experiences on internal administrative changes at the United States Department of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 

II. Trade issues

U.S. COOL

Canada reiterated its call for a resolution to this dispute through legislative changes in the United States in order to restore normal trade in the sector and to avoid a withdrawal of existing trade concessions.

U.S. Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) Regulations

Canada requested an update on the timing of the TSE rule.  The United States noted the proposed rule is in the USDA clearance process, and will require Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review, prior to publication in the Federal Register.

USDA Agriculture Quarantine Inspection User Fees

Canada requested an update on the status and anticipated timing for proposed changes to Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection User Fees and reiterated comments it provided through the Federal Register in July 2014.  The United States acknowledged receipt of Canada’s comments and indicated that staff were currently in the process of reviewing all comments.  The United States clarified that this rule will also require OMB approval prior to publication in the Federal Register.

Potato Issues

Canada provided an update on technical discussions regarding recent developments related to potato wart in Prince Edward Island and certification for seed potatoes exported to the United States.  Canada and the United States agreed on the importance of continued work to find long-term, mutually acceptable solutions.

Review of Dairy Actions

The United States raised Canada’s November 2013 amendment to its Customs Tariff for food preparations containing cheese and noted its intent to raise the classification of this product in the World Customs Organization.  Canada noted the U.S. position.  The United States asked for an update on implementation of dairy-related provisions in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and expressed concern about the potential impact on non-European suppliers. 

Canada’s Grain Grading Requirements

The United States shared U.S. industry concerns with Canada’s grain grading system and requested an update on next steps for allowing U.S. imports into Canada to be graded to Canadian standards as well as for Canada’s variety registration modernization.  Canada provided an overview of its proposal to streamline and modernize the Canadian system for varietal registration and a status update on the ongoing review of comments received on its options paper.  Canada confirmed its intent to use the results of consultations to date in the development of a policy proposal.  Elements which require regulatory changes will be made available in the future for formal public comment through the Canada Gazette process.  Canada noted that members of the Canada-U.S. Grain and Seed Task Group have similarly been briefed on the options and process. 

Trade Promotion Boards

The United States requested an update on recent developments in regard to proposals for new Promotion and Research Agencies (PRAs), including boards for raspberries and strawberries.  The United States noted U.S. industry opposition to the proposed boards and reiterated its position that trade promotion boards should not discriminate against imported products. 

Meat Flavoring/Extracts

The United States and Canada agreed to continue work at the technical level related to recent modifications to Canadian import requirements for meat flavorings/extracts in order to avoid disruptions in trade. 

III. International Engagement and Cooperation

Biotechnology and Trade

The United States and Canada provided an update on efforts to ensure a consistent approach to biotech products in third-country markets as well as in regional and global fora in order to reduce uncertainty in trade.  Co-chairs discussed opportunities for further cooperation and collaboration that could help advance mutual interests.  Both parties agreed to continue working together in these areas.

Codex

The United States and Canada highlighted the importance of continued and regular coordination on issues of mutual interest in the context of the Codex Alimentarius, in particular in promoting science-based decision making on standards.  It was agreed to continue to exchange information on possible funding strategies for the organization. 

Global Alliance on Climate-Smart Agriculture

The United States requested an update on Canadian participation in the Global Alliance on Climate-Smart Agriculture.  Canada noted its continued interest in the initiative and its ongoing collaboration with the United States on climate change issues.

Third Country Market Access Issues

The United States and Canada exchanged information on items of mutual interest in third-country markets and agreed to collaborate where possible.

IV. Collaboration

Science and Technology (S&T)

The United States and Canada provided a joint progress report on science and technology collaboration.  Both sides agreed that good progress has been made and that efforts should continue moving forward.

Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC)

The United States and Canada discussed recent developments and next steps under the RCC Joint Forward Plan, including opportunities for ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Provincial State Advisory Group (PSAG)

The United States and Canada reviewed the report provided by the PSAG following its annual meeting on the margins of the Tri-National Accord in Chicago in October 2014.  Proposals for enhancing the CCA-PSAG relationship were accepted including a written report from PSAG to the CCA co-chairs and regular briefings between CCA coordinators and the PSAG before and after key meetings.

V. Next Steps

Draft December 2014 Action Items

The United States and Canada agreed to a list of action items that will be reported out during the next CCA.