Plus ça chicken

Sigh.

Federal Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl says he will defend Canada's controversial supply management system this week at trade talks in Switzerland, but cautions that changes could be on the horizon.

Strahl, who concluded meetings with provincial and territorial counterparts in St. John's on Tuesday, is under pressure from farmers to protect the system, which regulates the production of eggs, chicken, milk and cheese. At the same time, Strahl is aiming to persuade other countries to reduce their own protectionist measures to allow for greater Canadian exports of grain and beef.

Strahl, who will attend World Trade Organization talks starting Thursday in Geneva, said striking a balance will be difficult, but assured Canadian dairy farmers they will not be forgotten.

"We think the system has worked well for Canada. It's a system other countries should consider as part of their agricultural policy," Strahl said.

Oh, yes. Other countries are just dying to charge their consumers three times the world price for milk. What a triumph of public policy! What a giant leap for social justice -- single moms may not be able to feed their kids, but they have the pleasure of knowing that the hefty markups they are required by law to pay on milk, cheese, eggs and chicken are going to support Canadian agribusiness. And thank goodness all four parties support it!