PUBLIC INPUT URGED ON NEW AG PROGRAM

The province is asking the people of the province for their ideas into

designing the new Saskatchewan Conservation Cover Program.



It is intended to help producers convert land they normally plant crops on to

cover crops for livestock to feed on, or other uses. The program was announced

in this year's budget and should be up and running by next spring.



"We are consulting with stakeholders to help design the new program in order to

ensure it meets the needs of producers and addresses provincial environmental

and economic objectives," Agriculture and Food Minister Clay Serby said.



A discussion paper outlining issues, options and proposed program goals and a

questionnaire seeking input on the program's design, is being sent to

agricultural organizations in the province. Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

hopes to hear back from these groups by October 31st.



People wanting to take part in the consultation process can get the discussion

paper and questionnaire from their local rural service centre, by phoning 306-

787-5950 or by down loading the material from the Saskatchewan Agriculture and

Food Internet site: www.agr.gov.sk.ca.



Serby said the advice from the public will help Saskatchewan develop an

effective program that has a positive, lasting effect on soil and water

resources, complies with international trading agreements and complements other

programming.



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For more information, contact:



Wayne Gosselin

Policy and Program Development Branch

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6586