Released on February 22, 1996
Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall will meet with federal,provincial and territorial agriculture ministers in Toronto tomorrow to
discuss issues including allocation of federal adaptation funds,
development of a core national safety net and the future of the
Canadian Wheat Board.
"A strong agriculture and food industry is critical to Saskatchewan's
economic well-being," Upshall said. "To ensure the strength and
stability of our province's agriculture and food sector, there are a
number of national issues which need to be resolved.
"One area I would like more information on is the process for
allocating federal adaptation funds."
Upshall said the 1995 federal budget identified a four-year,
$240-million Adaptation and Rural Development Fund. The fund was
established to assist farmers in adapting to the rapidly changing
agricultural environment.
"I will be pressing the federal government to allocate an adequate
share of this fund to Saskatchewan," Upshall said. "Saskatchewan
farmers continue to make some of the largest adjustments of any
province due to the reduction in federal government support for
agricultural safety nets and the elimination of the Crow benefit. This
must be a consideration in any federal funding evaluation.
"I will also continue to put forward Saskatchewan's position on a core
national safety net which would include crop insurance and a whole farm
program. The current crop insurance review, which will result in an
improved crop insurance program for 1997, is a priority for
Saskatchewan farmers."
Upshall also said he would strongly defend the Canadian Wheat Board as
an effective marketing arm of producers at the meeting.
Upshall said the meeting will also provide provincial and territorial
agriculture ministers with updates on a number of national issues,
including international trade and Canada's Food Inspection System.
Plans will also be made for the 1996 Annual Conference of Agriculture
and Agri-Food ministers.
"I am looking forward to working with my federal, provincial and
territorial colleagues to develop the programs and services the
agriculture and food industry needs to take it into a new century,"
Upshall said.
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For more information, contact:
Terrence Scott
Acting Deputy Minister
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5170
Hal Cushon
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5961