[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 88 (Monday, May 7, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22998-22999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11426]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service


Meeting on Agreement Between the United States and the European 
Community on Sanitary Measures To Protect Public and Animal Health in 
Trade in Live Animals and Animal Products

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is informing the public 
of a meeting to be held on May 15, 2001, at the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) to discuss the general U.S. negotiating objectives, 
particularly item-specific export priorities under the U.S. and 
European Community (EC) Veterinary Equivalency Agreement (VEA). This 
would include specific sanitary measures and certification issues that 
currently impede or prohibit trade or potential regulatory changes that 
would facilitate trade in live animals and animal products between the 
United States and the EC. U.S. Government agencies, including the Food 
Safety Inspection Service, Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. Food and Drug Administration, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, and Office of the U.S. Trade 
Representative will be participating in the meeting.

DATES: The meeting will be held on May 15, 2001, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
This meeting may close early if all business is finished.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., South Building, Washington, 
DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Catherine Otte or Mr. Bobby Richey 
at (202) 720-1340.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In July 20, 1999, the United States and the 
EC signed the Veterinary Equivalency Agreement. The Agreement entered 
into force on August 1, 1999, and covers more than $3 billion in 
combined U.S.

[[Page 22999]]

and EC live animal and animal product trade.
    The objective of the Agreement is to facilitate trade in live 
animals and animal products between the EC and United States by 
establishing a mechanism for the recognition of equivalence of sanitary 
measures maintained by each Party consistent with the protection of 
public and animal health and to improve communication and cooperation 
on sanitary measures.
    The Agreement calls for a Joint Management Committee to meet each 
year and identify progress and set priorities on outstanding issues for 
the future. Prior to the Joint Management Committee meeting currently 
scheduled for June 2001, the U.S. Government would like to receive 
input from U.S. industries on priority areas for immediate and future 
attention. The U.S. Government is requesting input on general U.S. 
negotiating objectives, particularly item-specific export priorities 
under the VEA. This would include specific sanitary measures and 
certification issues that currently impede or prohibit trade or 
potential regulatory changes that would facilitate trade in live 
animals and animal products. Input received will be considered by the 
Executive Branch in formulating U.S. positions and objectives in this 
area.
    A complete copy of the agreement can be viewed on the FDA 
International Cooperative Agreements Web Site at: http://www.fda.gov/oia/default.htm. The document is the second listed under the European 
Community and is titled ``Veterinary Equivalence Framework Agreement.''

Public Meeting

    The public meeting will take place at the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, back of the 
cafeteria, South Building. All visitors should enter at Wing 2 on the C 
Street side of the South Building. To accommodate all public meeting 
participants, we request that individuals planning to attend should so 
inform the Department in advance by contacting: Foreign Agricultural 
Service, International Trade Policy, Europe, Africa and Middle East 
Division, Stop 1024, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250; phone: (202) 720-1340; facsimile: (202) 690-2079. 
Please indicate the organization represented, if any, including the 
names and titles of individuals attending.

Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities

    For information on facilities or services for individuals with 
disabilities, or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact 
FAS at the above location as soon as possible.

    Signed at Washington, DC on May 2, 2001.
Mattie R. Sharpless,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 01-11426 Filed 5-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-M