WARTMAN AND FARM LEADERS PRESS FOR EMERGENCY FARM AID

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman and a delegation of farm leaders met today with federal Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl and other federal politicians to make the case for $575 million in emergency cash assistance for Saskatchewan grain and oilseed producers.

"Farm income in Saskatchewan was negative in 2005 and is projected to be negative again in 2006. Our grains and oilseed producers are feeling the hurt most of all, due to unfair international subsidies, the sharp increases in fuel and fertilizer costs, and the rapid increase in the Canadian dollar," Wartman said. "It is no coincidence that the Saskatchewan delegation is in Ottawa today or that farmers rallied in Ottawa last week. We have a national problem and we need a national solution. Our farmers need emergency aid before spring seeding."

Wartman was accompanied by representatives from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association, the Farm Support Review Committee and the Porcupine Area Disaster Group.

"We accompanied Minister Wartman to present a unified voice to the federal government on behalf of Saskatchewan farm producers," SARM President Dave Marit said. "The crisis in Saskatchewan is like nothing I've ever seen. Without an immediate cash injection, many farmers will simply not be able to continue to work the land."

"It is imperative that our federal government come to the table with an emergency aid package," NFU board member Don Kelsey said. "Without it, the high input costs will prevent many farmers from even planting a crop this spring."

The delegation also met with members of the federal Conservative, Liberal and NDP caucuses. In each meeting, members of the delegation stressed the need for further investments in the agriculture industry – in areas like research, infrastructure, the bio-economy, renewable fuels and assistance in helping producers move higher up the value chain - that will help improve long-term competitiveness. However, all agreed that an immediate cash injection is needed this spring to help producers get through this year.

Last year, Saskatchewan producers' realized net farm income was negative $77 million, and there are projections of negative $200 million farm income for 2006.

"Saskatchewan producers simply can not absorb these losses," Wartman said. "The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1.32 billion to agriculture over the last two years, more than any other province on a per-capita basis. We need our federal government to support our farmers."

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Tyler McMurchy Media Services Ottawa Cell: (306) 539-1902

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