Premier Moe made the announcement Monday
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Saskatchewan’s multi-billion-dollar ag industry has been given a special title by Premier Scott Moe.
During his daily provincial COVID-19 update on Monday, Premier Moe described the sector as an essential one.
“We are an agricultural superpower here in Saskatchewan, not only in the food that we produce but in the products that we produce that are part of the supply chain of the agriculture industry,” he said. “Not just here in North America but around the world.
“We are making every effort to ensure that the supply chain is open not only for Saskatchewan farmers but for Canadian farmers and farmers around the world.”
Saskatchewan producers were pleased to hear the premier’s comments regarding the industry.
Premier Moe’s comments confirms the importance of producers, said Todd Lewis, president of Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.
“It’s just good recognition that as we go through this whole (coronavirus situation) over the next weeks and months, that food safety and supply is going to be paramount,” he told Farms.com. “We’re going to see some hiccups, but with some good planning and collaboration with the provincial and federal governments we can ensure that Canadians have access to a good supply of food.”
Much of that food supply may come from domestic producers.
Consumers may want to consider buying and eating local food as the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt imports, Lewis said.
“I think when you look at the personal protective equipment for our health care workers, if it’s not made in Canada, there’s a chance you may not get it,” he said. “I think the food supply might be in the same vein going forward as far as labour and COVID-19 in the processing plants, so we need to do everything we can to ensure our food supply is stable for Canadians.”
As of Monday, Saskatchewan had 300 reported cases of the virus and four COVID-19 deaths.
Premier Moe's comments about agriculture start around the 15:28 mark of the video.