Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased to respond to the question.
The objective of our activities with respect to plum pox in the Niagara region continues to be eradication at this point. We understand the sensitivities around a couple of things. One is the activity that the agency undertakes when eradication is the goal and when positive trees are detected. How many trees around that tree need to be removed? It has an impact on the producer.
There is also the question of compensation. As you know, the agency compensates for the replacement value of the tree. There has been additional programing supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as the Province of Ontario, with respect to business costs that go beyond the replacement value of the tree.
We have engaged in discussions with stakeholders who have been directly affected by the situation in the Niagara area. There is a plan to continue with the sampling over the course of the summer and to then work with stakeholders, as well as with international experts and scientists, to determine what the goal will be in going forward and the complimentary programs that would be associated with this. We are looking at the funding programs with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as the Province of Ontario.