SGI EXPANDS ACCESS TO FARM PLATES

Released on August 7, 2002

In response to the changing needs of Saskatchewan farmers, SGI is expanding

access to farm plates to include farmers who are 'winding down' or are in

the process of diversifying their farming operations.



The change will provide former or diversifying farmers the ability to

continue to use their farm plated vehicles to 'wind down', or complete the

transition of, their farm operation.



Under the special allowances farmers can conduct farm plate transactions

for up to one year after they have quit farming or scaled down their

operation. Diversifying farmers may be eligible for farm plates during,

and for a period after, their transition phase.



"Saskatchewan producers are going through a time of considerable change and

this new farm plate allowance is completely supportive of that change,"

Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said. "This

issue was brought to our attention by a Saskatchewan farmer. We listened

to his concerns, and now we've responded. By expanding access to farm

plates, SGI is lifting a financial burden from farmers who are either

shutting down or diversifying their operation."



To take advantage of the allowance, diversifying farmers can apply to SGI

for an extension or 'bridging' of their farm plate eligibility. SGI will

evaluate each case on its own merits, and will issue a letter of

authorization for farmers who qualify for the special allowance.



The winding down or retiring farmer will automatically be given the

allowance by motor licence issuers based on their declaration, at the time

of issuance of the farm plate, that they are winding down their operation.

There will not be a case-by-case review of each situation.



"The situation on the family farm is changing and with these special

allowances we're ensuring as many farmers as possible have access to farm

plates," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said.



Under the previous regulations, farmers had to operate at least 30

cultivated hectares of land (75 acres) or generate gross revenue of at

least $10,000 in the past 12 months from the farm.



"The past regulations had a purpose, but with more and more farmers

retiring and diversifying the rules needed to be changed," Sonntag said.



Farmers can contact an SGI motor licence issuer or call 1-800-667-9868 for

more information about the farm plate special allowances.



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For more information, contact:



Trish Alcorn Julianne Jack

Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization SGI

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5389 Phone: (306) 775-6907