NEW FUNDING FOR IRRIGATION AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $4.5 million to expand and develop irrigation in Saskatchewan.

"Step by step, our governments are working together to provide Saskatchewan farmers with the tools they need to succeed," said Ritz. "This investment will allow farmers to expand their irrigated acres and increase their yields."

"Irrigation plays an important role in our agriculture industry and provincial economy," Bjornerud said. "Our government is committed to further developing irrigation in Saskatchewan, and this funding is another step in that direction."

Saskatchewan irrigation districts are eligible to apply for this funding to develop irrigation acres. Funding is available for up to 90 per cent of the eligible costs of irrigation development, to a maximum of $1.5 million per irrigation district.

Eligible costs include; the purchase and installation of pumps, turn outs, power lines, pipelines, drains and consulting services. The deadline to complete projects is March 31, 2013.

"We appreciate this new funding to expand irrigation acres, which will benefit farmers, rural communities and the provincial economy," Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association President Roger Pedersen said.

The federal and provincial governments also announced enhancements to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) to help farmers, ranchers and RMs develop multi-user pipelines. The FRWIP program will now reimburse applicants for up to 50 per cent of all eligible costs associated with developing multi-user pipelines, including construction, to a maximum of $15,000. Previously, program funding for multi-user pipelines was restricted to specific installation and hook-up costs, making it difficult for some applicants to develop this water resource. This new enhancement is retroactive to April 1, 2009.

Under FRWIP, producers are eligible to receive funding of up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs, to a maximum total of $60,000, for developing wells, dugouts and pipelines. The deadline to complete projects is March 31, 2013.

"We are very pleased with these FRWIP enhancements, which will help more producers and RMs secure long-term water infrastructure for the future," SARM President David Marit said.

This new funding for irrigation infill and multi-user pipelines is being provided under FRWIP, which is part of the federal-provincial Growing Forward initiative.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: patrick.boyle@gov.sk.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972
Cell: 1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059