Ag sector could see some benefits from Saskatchewan Throne Speech

Oct 28, 2022

Yesterday, marked Saskatchewan's Speech from the Throne.

The speech highlights some key projects that will benefit rural Saskatchewan and the ag sector.

Including the signing of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, along with the federal government and all provinces and territories.

Farmers and ranchers are also expected to benefit from the government's plans to continue the expansion of rural internet service by SaskTel.

A new Saskatchewan trade office will be opened in Germany, joining the province's trade offices in eight other countries.

And the creation of a made-in-Saskatchewan carbon offset credit program.

Earlier this month the province announced 5 additional seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to help address the rural vet shortage.

Click here to see more...

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.