Released on October 15, 1998
Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall today announced funding of$100,000 to AgInfoNet for the delivery of information technology
programs to the agriculture and food industry.
AgInfoNet is a comprehensive agriculture and food website based in
Regina. It is composed of 150 member-companies associated with
Saskatchewan's agriculture and food industry. AgInfoNet encourages
the use of information technologies by the agriculture and food
industry to improve Saskatchewan's competitive position.
"This is the Information Age and those who have access to knowledge,
have access to greater opportunities," Upshall said. "Saskatchewan's
agriculture and food industry wishes to have the best access possible
to information and business services. AgInfoNet's projects will
ensure that all Saskatchewan participants in the agriculture and food
industry have equal opportunity for access."
The funding will help AgInfoNet to conduct research into the
information needs of Saskatchewan's agriculture and food industry, to
develop and distribute an Internet user guide for producers and to
construct processes that will allow for electronic-commerce
(e-commerce) service among Saskatchewan's producers and
agri-businesses. E-commerce is a system and technology which allows
secure financial transactions to be conducted over the Internet.
"E-commerce technology is expensive for any one individual
business to develop," Upshall said. "The AgInfoNet system will
provide an opportunity for small to medium sized agri-businesses
and producers to have access to the services provided through
e-commerce."
AgInfoNet will also examine communications processes that will
co-ordinate information required by producers and agri-business
whether that information be related to agri-business conferences
and registration, or to the delivery of agricultural extension
services to farmers.
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For more information, contact:
Lyle Stavness
Manager, Business Information Services
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: (306)787-5037