Manitoba runs out of patience

[kato]

Got the MCPA newsletter today.

MCPA Presiden'ts Message

At the June board meeting, the MCP unanimously decided that the time for waiting is over. After a year of trusting that science would prevail and that patience would pay off, our producers and the board alike believe that we must take a different approach.

[kato]

OOOPS.. it posted twice..and I wasn't even done yet! I'll try and finish it this time.

We have decided that we will call on the federal governmnet to implement the recommendations of the International Review Committee and of the OIE in order to prepare our industry for the re-entry into world markets.

The first recommendation we will address is the enhancement to our feed ban. The International Committee recognized our ruminant to ruminant feed ban (1997) as a critical component of risk mitigation for BSE. The question still remains: however, does that ban go far enough to manage the risk of cross conatamination at feed mills or on the farm?

MCPA believes that the next logical step in mitigating the risk is to remove all SRM's from all feeds and to destroy or dispose of them appropriately. The May OIE meetings offered this action as the appropriate response. MCPA is calling on the federal governmnet and CFIA to implement this change immediately.

While the decision to enhance BSE surveillance testing in Canada and the US has been made, MCPA is calling on CFIA to fast track the testing to offer proof that our country is at minimal risk standing. There is no other way to prove to the world that we deserve to be invited back in to the exporting market. If there is a lack of resources to get the job done, then we will lobby for additional resources.

If indeed, the world is not going to respond to this crisis in a way that is based on science, then MCPA will call for the immediate designation of a plant that can conduct the surveillance testing as well as offer 100% tested product for the countries who are willing to sign contracts for the tested product. We believe that we must be prepared to meet the needs of our customers and that in doing so, we will reopen our borders to international trade.

MCPA is prepared to lobby for a proactive approach that will address our trading partner's needs and ensure a viable future for our industry today and for the generations of the future. Waiting for someone else to make those decisions is not an option.

Until next time,
Betty Green.

[gwf]

It sounds to me that the MCPA is taking the initiative that the rest of wish to applaud and hope that all could share your intended rewards. It is time that we take back our industry and carry though with the part of the business that will achieve stability and incentive for all producers. Do Ford and GM research, make vehicles, advertise and then give the marketing to someone else. We in the cattle business do. We have to get off our butts and finish the job.

[blackjack]

kato... it is nice to see your association starting to listen to its producers... if you guys can get a system in Manitoba working to move cattle to some other markets , the ABP will have no choice but follow the lead... good luck Manitoba...

[rusty1]

IN talking to a American meat exporter to a market in Japan. He assured me that if we in Canada could test and provide BSE free meat, he could get the meat to Japan.
That's contrary to what we kepp being told.

[kato]

We have been hurt probably the worst of anyone here, and the political will is much stronger...finally.

Within a week or so we will have reached our quota of tested cattle, due to the winter kill pickup program. And we don't want to stop there. If the Rancher's Choice gets off the ground, I think that's the plant they have in mind for the testing. The provincial government has indicated they are going to help with the plant.

It's getting very urgent now, because it's less than three months till calves start coming off pasture, and if we haven't made progress by then, you don't even want to think about it!

Keep the pressure up, we're running out of time.