GREATER ACCESS TO FARM FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST NATIONS

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today will help First Nations farmers access the assistance provided by the Farm Family Opportunities Initiative (FFOI).

Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby, and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Second Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild, signed the memorandum at a ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina.

"The Action Committee on the Rural Economy noted in its final report that the increased involvement of the First Nations community in the agricultural sector will strengthen the industry as a whole and contribute to a stronger and more diversified rural economy," Serby said.

The Farm Family Opportunities Initiative provides advisory services to help farmers diversify, obtain rural employment, or start a new rural business.

"Once again we are very proud to continue a strong working relationship with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization in the agricultural area," Lonechild said. "We look forward to a strong rural partnership in the future."

The purpose of the MOU is to set up mechanisms to help First Nations farm families access the FFOI. A total of $100,000 within the existing FFOI has been allocated to assist First Nations farm families in accessing the program and to increase their participation in it.

The MOU is the first step in promoting increased First Nations participation in the agricultural sector. The needs of First Nations farmers will also be considered under the Renewal Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework currently being negotiated with the Federal Government.

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For More Information, Contact:

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