PROVINCE ANNOUNCES EXTENSION TO GOPHER CONTROL REBATE PROGRAM

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced the Gopher Control Rebate Program will be extended for 2010. Bjornerud also announced richardson ground squirrels, commonly known as gophers, have been declared a pest under the provincial Pest Control Act.

"These changes are another step in our efforts to improve our programs and support producers," Bjornerud said. "RMs and producers have requested this support to help them deal with the damage caused by gophers."

The Gopher Control Rebate Program was first introduced in October 2008 and was also continued in 2009. The program provides a 50 per cent rebate to producers and RMs for the cost of gopher control products.

The decision to declare gophers a pest, under the Pest Control Act, was made following a request by Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) at their Midterm Convention in November 2009. By declaring gophers a pest, RMs now have the option through bylaws, to enforce prevention and control measures.

Gophers are a problem in many municipalities, particularly in southern and western regions of the province. The most severe damage is normally in areas experiencing dry conditions.

"Gophers can cause extensive damage to crop and pasture land, costing producers significant dollars," SARM President David Marit said. "By continuing the Gopher Control Rebate Program and now declaring gophers as a pest, the provincial government is helping RMs and producers address this problem."

"The Gopher Control Rebate Program has benefited producers and we are pleased to see it is continuing," Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan President Greg Marshall said. "The provincial government is taking another positive step forward by declaring gophers as a pest under the Pest Control Act."

Additionally, the provincial government provides support through Crop Insurance compensation and research funding to help address the damage caused by gophers. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has also approved the provincial government's application to extend the emergency registration of strychnine to July 31, 2010.

For more information on the Gopher Control Rebate Program, producers and RMs can call 1-866-947-9113 or visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/gopher-rebate.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler Hopson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: tyler.hopson@gov.sk.ca