May 30, 2003 (Guelph) – The position of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture contradicts comments attributed in the media yesterday to Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food, Helen Johns regarding the possibility of zoning Ontario and closing borders to imports.

Zoning is a strategy being explored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for future outbreaks of contagious foreign animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease. Zoning in this instance would have absolutely no impact on disease containment. It is also highly unlikely that zoning would lead to a partially open border with the US market and would also send a signal highly contrary to the fact that our Canadian beef is safe.

Mike McMorris, Executive Director of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association said that zoning isn’t being discussed by any of the provincial or national beef organizations – and in fact added that the provinces have been working closely together to try and resolve the situation.

Said McMorris, "What affects a beef rancher in Alberta right now equally affects one in Ontario – or in any other province."

OFA President Ron Bonnett added that these are extremely stressful times for the entire industry’s producers. Said Bonnett, "It’s unfortunate that a bad option made it into the press.

Because there is so much on the line, we need to look at all options – many of which are ruled out immediately."

These concerns have been shared with Minister Johns by OCA, OFA, and other industry representatives over the last week.