Released on March 27, 2002
Agricultural initiatives in the 2002/03 budget are aimed at providingopportunity for economic growth, diversification and jobs in rural
Saskatchewan.
In addition to exempting the fuel tax on ethanol which will stimulate both
agriculture and the economy, the province has added $14 million into the
Crop Insurance Program to maintain our status quo cost share, provided $3.9
million for farmers participating in the Conservation Cover Program, and
$4.35 million for the Farm Family Opportunities initiative.
"The continued commitment in the 2002/03 budget to one of our most
important industrys demonstrates our belief in the future of agriculture
and food," Deputy Premier and Agriculture and Food Minister Clay Serby
said. "The Action Committee on the Rural Economy has told us this industry
has the most potential for economic growth and job creation in rural
Saskatchewan. This budget demonstrates the continuing commitment of this
government to that goal."
The Conservation Cover Program was very successful in 2001 with the acres
seeded to forage being almost double the original forecast. In 2002,
payments will be up to $15 per acre on a maximum of 50 acres - with the
payment made in stages - $7.50 per acre initially and up to $7.50 per acre
as a final payment once the level of participation in the program is known.
The Family Farm Opportunities Initiative will provide help to farm families
to access training as well as make changes on their farm. The program will
have three components:
farm family support of $500,000 for farm families to diversify
their farm, prepare for off-farm employment and to develop new on-
farm businesses;
$1.85 million to help pay for training in agricultural business
management, off-farm employment and non-farm business
opportunities; and
diversification assistance of $2 million to help farm families
access capital.
The program will be targeted at farm families with incomes below $30,000
(all sources) and a net worth of less than $400,000. The maximum support
per family will be $7,500. Details on how farm families can apply will be
available shortly.
The upcoming final report of the Action Committee on the Rural Economy will
present further opportunities for diversification and job creation in rural
Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Scott Brown
Agriculture and Rural Revitalization
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4031