U.S. border to reopen for live cattle March 7th

News Release
Ontario Government

The McGuinty government hailed the recent U.S. decision that would re-open its border to exports of live cattle and other livestock from Canada as a vote of confidence in Ontario’s and the nation’s effective measures to detect and prevent Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
“This is good news for Ontario’s livestock producers,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty. “Working to re-opening the border was a top priority for our government and this very positive announcement is a testament to our efforts working co-operatively with our federal counterparts.”
“This decision takes an enormous weight off our livestock producers, who have had to deal with unprecedented fallout for almost 20 months,” Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters said. “We have worked very hard with the industry to soften the blow, but, as we said all along, getting the border re-opened was our number one priority. This decision is a positive first step.”
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Canada will be the first country recognized as a minimal-risk region, and a rule providing for the export of live cattle under the age of 30 months (as well as certain other animals and products) will take effect March 7, 2005.
Up to November 22, 2004, federal and provincial programs have provided more than $260 million in assistance to Ontario producers - with $92 million coming from the province. Up to another $75 million, with $30 million from the province, will be provided to cattle producers through the new set-aside programs. In addition, up to another $40 million with $16 million from the province, will be provided to ruminant producers through a 2004 CAIS program interim payment.