Agriculture Minister Don McRae issued the following statement following the World Trade Organization's (WTO) ruling that U.S Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) measures do not conform with its WTO trade obligations:

"Today's ruling by the WTO is a clear victory for British Columbia's livestock producers, and is a testament to what can be accomplished when government and industry work together for a common good.

"Along with industry, our government has supported Canada's efforts to have this onerous and unfair labelling practice overturned. I would like to thank both the federal government for its leadership and our industry partners for their unwavering commitment, while this matter has been before the WTO.

"B.C. producers are among the most competitive in the world, and today's ruling eliminates a needless regulatory burden for them. I look forward to continued co-operation with industry to ensure increased efficiency, economic growth and jobs for B.C.'s farming and ranching families."

Contact:

Niki Pandachuck
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693