BSE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FLOWING

The first Saskatchewan payment under the Canada-Saskatchewan Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Recovery Program has been processed by Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization.

"I am pleased that the money has started flowing to those in our beef industry who have been so drastically affected by this situation," Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Clay Serby said.

"This is a short-term package that addresses only the immediate concerns of the industry. We continue to monitor all aspects of the ongoing BSE situation, and will take further action if required with respect to industry support, as well as market and trade related issues."

Applications forms for the program are available on the Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Web site at www.agr.gov.sk.ca on the BSE Compensation Information page. Forms are also available at all Rural Service Centres in the province. For more information, or to have an application package mailed out, producers can call toll-free 1-877-874-5365.

Grants will be available on cattle sold and slaughtered on or after May 20th, 2003 until the earlier of:
the U.S. border opening to beef and young cattle (under 30 months);
the federal funds run out; or
August 31st, 2003 for cows and bulls.

The deadline to apply is September 30th, 2003.

"The beef industry in Saskatchewan is an important sector for our provincial economy," Serby said. "The provincial and federal governments are committed to acting in a timely and meaningful way to assist farmers in coping with these exceptional circumstances."

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For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5389