Good afternoon, everyone.
Welcome, everyone, to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and our study on food policy.
Today, we have some guests again.
I want to remind the committee that we will go into the business section 15 minutes before the end.
We almost have a new committee today. Mr. Shipley, who was formerly on our committee, is back, replacing Mr. Berthold, I assume. Madam Cheryl Gallant is here for Sylvie Boucher, and Mr. Martin Shields for John Barlow. Also, on the Liberal side, Peter Fragiskatos is replacing Francis Drouin.
Again, we have to cut 15 minutes from the two hours, so I will probably cut seven and a half minutes from each side so we will have equal time for everyone.
From the Canadian Meat Council, we have Mr. Christopher White, president and chief executive officer; and Mr. Ron Davidson, senior vice-president. Welcome, both of you, to our meeting.
From the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, we have Mr. Ron Lemaire, president, who has been here before. Welcome.
From CropLife Canada, we have Dennis Prouse, vice-president for government affairs, who has also been here before.
Welcome to all of you.
We will get going with a seven-minute opening statement.
We'll start with the Canadian Meat Council. Mr. White, go ahead.