PREMIER APPOINTS LEGISLATIVE SECRETARY FOR ORGANIC FARMING

Premier Lorne Calvert was at the Craik Eco-Centre today to announce the appointment of Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Lon Borgerson as Legislative Secretary for Organic Farming.

"I am pleased that Lon Borgerson has agreed to the appointment of Legislative Secretary for Organic Farming," Calvert said. "Saskatchewan's organic industry has seen dramatic growth in recent years and is expected to continue growing into the foreseeable future. We will continue to work within and outside of the province to support that growth."

"The hard work of organic producers and processors make an important contribution to a prosperous, sustainable agriculture industry in Saskatchewan," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "This appointment demonstrates the government's commitment to help Saskatchewan producers maintain their leadership role in growing organic crops in Canada."

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to work with the industry to advance organic agriculture in the province," Borgerson said. "As Legislative Secretary for Organic Farming, I will be a point of contact for Saskatchewan citizens on organic issues, and will be their voice in the Saskatchewan government."

Borgerson will provide a leadership role with respect to government programs and services for the organic industry and liaise between the government and organic stakeholders. He will examine a range of issues from constraints to the growth of the organic industry and solutions to address the constraints, to identifying market opportunities and facilitating the marketing of Saskatchewan organic products.

Borgerson expects to complete an interim report early next year, and to submit a final report by the summer of 2007.

Saskatchewan is home to more than 1,200 certified organic producers, and nearly 100 organic processors and handlers. Saskatchewan has more organic acres than any other Canadian province, and is a leading Canadian exporter of organic grain and oilseed products and cereal-based food ingredients.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031