Released on June 24, 2009
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have announced a new Growing Forward program to accelerate the transfer of knowledge to Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers.
The Agricultural Demonstration of Practices and Technology (ADOPT) program provides funding to help producer groups evaluate and demonstrate new agricultural practices and technologies at the local level. Producers can attend these demonstrations and assess the merit of adapting these new practices and technologies in their farming operation.
"This program will ensure that Saskatchewan farmers have immediate access to innovative knowledge and techniques which will improve their bottom line," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "The Growing Forward framework is creating economic opportunities for our farm families and ADOPT will play a vital role in building a profitable agriculture sector."
"Agriculture is continually evolving, and producers need access to the latest information and technology," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Through demonstrations by producer groups, the ADOPT program will help give producers at the local level a first-hand look at new farming and ranching practices."
The ADOPT program has a budget of approximately $800,000 for 2009-10. Producer groups are eligible for funding of up to $10,000 per project to a maximum of $50,000 per year. The application deadline is July 31, 2009, for fall projects and January 1, 2010, for spring projects. Letters detailing the program will be sent directly to producer groups. Application forms are available from evaluation.coordinator@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca