BIOTECH WEEK PROCLAIMED IN SASKATCHEWAN

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud proclaimed the week of September 17-24, 2010, as Biotech Week in Saskatchewan.

"Saskatchewan is a leader in biotechnology and has a reputation for excellence in agriculture and research," Bjornerud said. "Biotechnology is vital to the future of our agriculture industry and will continue to help grow our provincial economy."

Saskatchewan is Canada's agricultural biotechnology capital, with 30 per cent of the Canadian industry located in the province.

Premier Brad Wall recently announced an additional $5 million in funding for agriculture and biotechnology research. The Saskatchewan Party has already increased the agriculture research budget by 25 per cent since forming government. The 2010-11 Budget committed nearly $17 million for agriculture research.

"Producers in Saskatchewan continue to benefit directly from biotechnology research, whether its seeding a new crop variety with improved disease resistance and weed tolerance or using a new vaccine to treat livestock," Bjornerud said.

Events to be held in Saskatoon during Biotech Week include an Education Outreach Day at the University of Saskatchewan on September 21. There will also be a special seminar for teachers and guidance counsellors on the biotechnology program at the SIAST Kelsey campus on September 23.

Biotech Week is held in conjunction with National Biotech Week observed across Canada. For all Saskatchewan and Canadian events, see the Ag-West Bio Inc. website at www.agwest.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca