FARM SUPPORT HIGH ON SASKATCHEWAN'S AGENDA AT AG MINISTERS' MEETING

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman will ask the federal government to commit new money to farm families at this weekend's Agriculture Ministers' meeting in British Columbia.

Wartman said a minimum of $200 million is required in Saskatchewan to avoid falling into a negative income situation at the farmgate.

"The federal government must take the lead in providing immediate cash assistance to farm families," Wartman said. "In the light of ongoing problems with the CAIS program – both in terms of performance and provincial affordability – farm families need other forms of help. They cannot continue to wait for payment on two-year old CAIS claims."

The Minister wants to see payments made under CAIS accelerated. He also wants the agriculture ministers to discuss as a group how best to engage the industry on a long-term strategy for success and sustainability.

"We need to engage Canada's agriculture industry at a level that can shape national programs and policies," Wartman said. "All provinces are looking at ways to transform the sector so it can be more competitive and profitable for producers."

Other topics on the ministers' agenda include: updates on BSE, including the latest case discovered in the United States and livestock traceability programs; progress on Avian Influenza contingency planning; and upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations.

Canada's Agriculture Ministers meet March 19th-20th in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

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For More Information, Contact:

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