Minister Pierre Paradis makes a legislative exploration trip to Vermont

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Pierre Paradis travelled to Vermont on Friday, February 5 to meet with his counterpart, Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Chuck Ross, as well as with representatives of the Attorney General and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The Minister took the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and discuss the issues and challenges related to the implementation of such a law.

"The Vermont team I met with shared information and collaborated very openly. An increasing number of consumers want to know what's on their plate. Some food companies have already heard them and taken the initiative of labelling their products. Just like our government, the State of Vermont wants consumers to have access to accurate and transparent information," said Mr. Paradis.

Vermont authorities were vocal advocates for the adoption of their law, which comes into force on July 1, 2016. Our neighbouring state is a pioneer in this regard: Vermont is the first jurisdiction in North America to follow the example of more than 60 countries around the world that have already developed the legislative tools to regulate genetically engineered food labelling.

Vermont Secretary Chuck Ross added: Like Vermonters, the people of Quebec have a strong desire to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. We are glad for the opportunity to share the knowledge we gleaned from this process with Minister Paradis.

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation

Image with caption: "Pierre Paradis, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with Chuck Ross, Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and his team. (CNW Group/Cabinet du ministre de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160217_C5862_PHOTO_EN_623250.jpg

Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Phone: [phone]