PROVINCE FOCUSES ON STIMULATING RURAL ECONOMY

The provincial government is focusing on ways to help stimulate economic

development in Saskatchewan's rural communities.



"Saskatchewan has what it takes to build a vibrant rural economy that will have

the resiliency to prosper in a changing international marketplace," Agriculture

and Food Minister Clay Serby said.



To help that building process, Serby unveiled the Action Committee on the Rural

Economy (ACRE) to act as a catalyst for innovative ideas that address the

challenges and opportunities facing rural areas.



The members of ACRE are key stakeholders in the province's rural economy. They

will break off from the main body into smaller sub-groups to focus on specific

issues. Minister Serby will co-chair ACRE, along with Kamsack producer and

community leader, Audrey Horkoff.



"Working together, we can build a prosperous future for rural Saskatchewan and

for our province," Horkoff said. "ACRE will work with producer associations,

agri-business, government and universities to identify options for government

action that will contribute to the continued viability of our communities."



- 30 -



For more information, contact:



Kari Harvey Audrey Horkoff

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food ACRE Co-chair

Regina Kamsack

Phone: (306) 787-7702 Phone: (306) 542-4472