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Agriculture Roundup for Friday October 23, 2020

Oct 23, 2020 | 11:05 AM

North American agriculture representatives met virtually this week to discuss a number of issues including trade.

Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and provincial counterparts from Mexico and Canada issued a joint communique underscoring the role of the provinces and states in successful implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Blaine Pedersen led the Canadian delegation at the 29th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord.

“It really shows the provincial and state involvement in getting this agreement and how it affects agriculture positively,” he said. “We had a great discussion on African Swine Fever. It affects all three of our countries.”

The United States will host the 30th Tri-National Accord in Arlington, Virginia next October.

The founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is being commemorated.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said it is a significant milestone for the FAO in their efforts to reduce world poverty and hunger.

“Our world is in the midst of a pandemic and it is more important than ever to continue a united front to strengthen global food security, helping vulnerable people around the world have access to the safe, nutritious food,” Bibeau said in a news release.

In 1945, at a conference presided over by future Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson in Quebec City, the FAO was formally established as a specialized UN agency to lead international efforts in the fight against global hunger and poverty.

The FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, with a goal to achieve food security for all and to ensure people have access to safe, high-quality food.

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF