BSE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FOR BISON, SHEEP AND CERVIDS

Application forms are now available for the Canada-Saskatchewan Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Recovery Program for bison, sheep and cervids.

"Saskatchewan's bison, sheep and cervid producers have also been affected by the border closure following the discovery of a single case of BSE in a Canadian beef cow in May," Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Clay Serby said.

"The BSE compensation payment is a short-term package that addresses only the immediate concerns of the livestock 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."

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

Grants will be available on bison, sheep and cervids sold and slaughtered on or after May 20th, 2003, until the earlier of the U.S. border opening, the depletion of federal funds, or Aug. 31st, 2003. The application deadline is Sept. 30th, 2003.

"Saskatchewan's livestock industry is a very important sector of our provincial economy," Serby said. "The provincial and federal governments are committed to acting in a timely and meaningful way to assist producers 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