Some of the items listed in the speech will benefit farmers
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Agriculture had its own chapter in Saskatchewan’s throne speech.
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty delivered the speech on Oct. 26 to open the third session of the 29th legislature and to highlight what Premier Scott Moe’s government would be focused during this session.
Lieutenant Governor Mirasty reminded Saskatchewan of how the province’s farmers and the entire ag sector continue to thrive.
“Saskatchewan’s farmers and ranchers are the very best in the world at what they do,” he said. “They succeed not only because of their skill and knowledge, but also because of their determination and resilience.”
Highlights from the ag chapter of the throne speech include Cargill’s commitment to build a $350 million canola crushing plant in Regina.
And how Federated Cooperatives and AGT are investing a total of $2 billion to construct an Integrated Agriculture Complex near Regina.
This complex will include a $360 million canola crushing facility, which will provide feedstock to a 15,000 barrel per day renewable diesel plant.
Viterra is building a new canola crushing plant, AGT Foods is building a new oat processing plant near Aberdeen and Great Western Brewing is expanding its brewery with a $40 million investment.
In addition to those private sector items, Saskatchewan agriculture will also benefit from government work.
The provinces and territories signed the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which takes effect on April 1, 2023.
“My government will continue to ensure our producers have every opportunity to reach maximum production in a sustainable manner,” Mirasty said during the speech.
Other items that could benefit Sask. farmers include:
- Increasing the number of seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine by five to help address rural vet shortages,
- Opening new trade offices in eight countries including Japan, Mexico and China,
- Directing SaskTel to double its investment in the Rural Fibre Initiative, and
- Creating a made-in-Saskatchewan carbon offset program.
Saskatchewan can be looked at as a beacon of stability in a volatile world, Mirasty said.
“In a world plunged into uncertainty, Saskatchewan is a reliable, indispensable supplier of food, fuel and fertilizer to millions of people around the globe,” he said in the speech.