Released on March 14, 2012
Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $210,000 to extend the Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project for another two years.
The Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project was first implemented in March 2011.
In the first year of the program, Saskatchewan farmers recycled approximately 275,000 pounds of agricultural plastics and baler twine. This is equivalent to over 80 kilometres of grain bags, more than the distance between Moose Jaw and Regina.
"Farmer support for last year's pilot program showed great demand for a responsible method to dispose of grain bags," Ritz said. "This innovative project is an easy and positive solution that meets the needs of farmers."
"Grain bags are an important source of grain storage for many producers, and there is a need for these collection sites," Bjornerud said. "There was strong uptake in the first year of this project and we are pleased to partner with the federal government and other groups to continue this project while we work toward a long-term solution."
Farmers and ranchers can access collection sites across the province in Viscount, Abbey, Unity, Hirsch, Macoun, Kelvington and Prince Albert. The pilot project will also provide support for the Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards grain bag recycling project, which has collection sites in Moose Jaw, Milestone and Mossbank.
"Grain bag disposal has been an issue for many of our members and we are pleased the federal and provincial governments are working to address this by continuing the Grain Bag Recycling Project," SARM President David Marit said.
The Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project will be administered by the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification Boards (PCAB).
"We are pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments to continue providing this program for Saskatchewan producers," PCAB Chair Alex Mitchell said. "We had great uptake in the first year of the program and we look forward to improving the program for producers over the next two years."
Funding for the Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project is being provided through the federal-provincial Growing Forward agreement.
For more information, producers can contact PCAB toll-free at 1-866-298-7222.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca
Meagan Murdoch
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Media Relations
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972