REGINA, Saskatchewan - Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud have signed the Growing Forward bilateral and contribution agreements. This agreement includes new non-Business Risk Management programs for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. The suite of programs announced will provide flexibility to Saskatchewan producers, by allowing them to select from the programs available to meet their operation’s needs.
"Farmers expect all levels of government to work together to drive Canadian agriculture and this agreement is making that happen," said Minister Ritz. "Growing Forward delivers stable and bankable programs that work for farmers. The agreement we signed will kick-start the rollout of these essential programs in Saskatchewan."
Highlights of today’s announcement for Saskatchewan include funding for a province-wide Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, Farm Business Program, environmental programs, food safety, biosecurity and voluntary traceability programs as well as funding towards provincial research and innovation.
Today’s agreement will deliver more than $216 million in non-Business Risk Management agriculture programs in Saskatchewan over the next four years.
"We are pleased to work with the federal government to deliver real benefits to Saskatchewan producers," Minister Bjornerud said. "Growing Forward is going to address a number of specific needs in this province."
For more information on Growing Forward programs in Saskatchewan, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca or www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward, or call 1-866-457-2377.
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For more information:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972