Your One-Stop Shop Specialist for Program Information

By Rachel Kraynick, Agriculture Programs Specialist, Yorkton

April 2020

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a $388 million investment by federal and provincial governments into Saskatchewan agriculture and research over a five-year period (2018-2023). The purpose is to facilitate innovation, growth and prosperity throughout Saskatchewan agriculture. There are over twenty programs under CAP that are offered to the research community, producers and agri-businesses. Do you know what you're eligible for?

Agriculture Program Specialists are strategically located across the province and are your one stop shop for all your program inquires. This team of specialists can inform you on programs that relate to your operation and can provide pathfinding services for all your business needs. Specialists work closely with other ministry specialists, government agencies, watershed technicians, RMs and industry stakeholders, often knowing the key issues clients face and find ways to address the needs. Whether its walking you through the application process or informing you about other programs beyond CAP or connecting you with information and resources you need, our priority is to get you the information you need with just one call.

Beyond providing clients with program information and pathfinding services, specialists promote the importance of building public trust within our industry. We champion efforts to build public trust throughout the year, with an emphasis on October's Agriculture Month and Canadian Agriculture Day in February. Earning public trust in agriculture is critical to the growth, success and reputation of the industry. Without it, we could face restrictions in our operations along with reduced opportunities for expansion and innovation in the industry. We know that consumer concerns are on the rise and often relate to food safety, climate change and humane treatment of farm animals. That's why many of ministry programs have been designed to address these concerns while allowing our clients to capitalize on opportunities for growth and innovation.

A great example of this; according to data collected from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), is that consumers were concerned about the humane treatment of farm animals as well as the use of antibiotics. Knowing this, the Ministry of Agriculture was able to a design a Producer Assurance Program that requires producer enrollment in verification programs such as the Verified Beef Production Plus. This gives producers the opportunity to prove that they adhere to strict regulations and protocols designed by Canadian regulatory agencies. Once qualifying producers receive this industry training and/or certification and they consult with their veterinarian, they could apply to the program which can pay up to 50 percent of the cost of equipment that would improve animal welfare and biosecurity on their farm to a maximum of $15,000. This proves to be a win-win for the consumer as it demonstrates that producers are doing the right thing, as well as for the producers, who now have additional funding to improve their operations.

When it comes to practicing transparency in food production and agriculture, it is everyone's responsibility. We take pride in providing and promoting programs that our clients find valuable while continuing to build trust with consumers. To find out what programs are available to you and how they build public trust, contact your local Agriculture Program Specialist or contact our Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.