| | August 7, 2008
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Minister represents Alberta at the annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord
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Edmonton... George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, will attend the Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on August 13 to 16, to promote trade, exchange information, and strengthen the province’s agricultural trade relations. Groeneveld will meet with Canadian, American and Mexican agriculture policy makers.
“Collaboration, such as the Tri-National Agricultural Accord, is necessary in order to remain competitive in today’s global markets,” said Groeneveld. “By working with our NAFTA partners - Mexico and the US - we will be able to develop unified positions on the issues that are important in North American agriculture.”
Rural development, harmonization, country of origin labeling and nutrition will be among the topics discussed at the 2008 Tri-National Agricultural Accord. As the lead province in the Tri-Lateral Rural Development Working Group, Alberta will also report on the progress made since the 2007 Accord.
A series of bi-lateral working group meetings will be held throughout the Accord. Representatives from two of the three NAFTA partners will meet and discuss specific issues related to the unique relationship between their countries. Groeneveld will co-chair the Canada/Mexico bi-lateral group meeting, as well as the Canada/US meeting.
Last year’s Tri-National Accord was held in Monterrey, Mexico. The three member countries rotate hosting duties each year. The event brings together secretaries, commissioners, and ministers from the agricultural sectors of the NAFTA countries.
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The estimated cost of the Minister’s trip is $3,375.
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Attachments: general itinerary
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Ag Media Line
780-422-1005 |  |
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To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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Backgrounder
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August 7, 2008
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Tri-National Agricultural Accord meeting general itinerary*
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Dates | Event |
| Wednesday, August 13 | · Travel to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
· Welcome Dinner Reception |
Thursday, August 14
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| · Opening ceremonies
· Report on climate change meeting
· Tri-Lateral group reports
· Agricultural site tour |
Friday, August 15
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· Mexico/Canada Bi-Lateral Meeting (Minister co-chairing) |
| Saturday, August 16 | · Individual country meetings
· Closing ceremonies
· Minister returns to Edmonton |
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*Note: This itinerary is tentative and subject to change.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
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Ag Media Line
780-422-1005
. | |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. |
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