PROGRAMS ARE CONTINUING FOR SASKATCHEWAN PRODUCERS

The Government of Canada is working with Saskatchewan to deliver new programs for Canadian farm families through the Growing Forward initiative, but while that progress continues, existing programs under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) will be extended for up to one year, starting April 1, 2008.

Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud today announced details about the continuation of programs under the APF.

"Growing Forward is delivering real results for Canadian agriculture and this Government is working with the provinces and territories to give farm families stability while we develop important new initiatives," said Ritz. "Providing this stability while delivering progress on Growing Forward is another example of this Government's commitment to put farmers first."

"Continuing programs will allow for a smooth transition to Growing Forward and will provide certainty for our farmers and all our partners as that transition takes place," Bjornerud said.

The federal government obtained authority in February 2008 to allow all federally-funded APF programs across Canada to be extended. With authority now obtained in Saskatchewan as well, farmers will continue to have access to all APF shared federal and provincial programs in the areas of environment, food safety, innovation and renewal.

Consultations will continue so that Growing Forward programs are developed with the needs of the sector in mind. "This gives us the time we need to ensure farmers have the voice they deserve in program design," said Ritz.

A list of APF programs continuing in Saskatchewan is attached. For information on APF programs, visit www.agr.gc.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jenna Robertson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.robertson@gov.sk.ca