At their July 1998 meeting, the federal and provincial agriculture ministers agreed to examine the possibility of implementing a national self-directed risk management program as part of the process leading to a renewed safety net framework. Discussions on the long term safety net policy were continued at the July 1999 ministers' meeting in Prince Albert. It was agreed that further analysis and discussions were required to enable ministers to decide on the next five year framework agreement at their February 2000 meeting.
Current and proposed programs are currently being assessed with respect to their effectiveness and any required modifications. In this respect, a study on SDRM's effectiveness has been completed and preliminary results have been shared with horticulture producer organization representatives. This process continues with industry-wide consultations, notably with the national safety net advisory committee.