SASKATCHEWAN TO HOST BI-LATERAL MEETING ON AGRICULTURE

Saskatchewan advanced the need for fairness and flexibility of agriculture programs and the sustainability of the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) at yesterday's Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Ottawa.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said the meeting was both meaningful and effective. "I have a commitment from federal Minister Andy Mitchell for another meeting. I am inviting him to come to Saskatchewan in the near future to meet with me, as well as the Saskatchewan Ministers of Finance and Rural Revitalization," Wartman said.

"This will provide us with an excellent opportunity to put forward the needs of Saskatchewan's producers and the province's position on federal-provincial cost-sharing."

Wartman contends that the current federal cost-sharing formula fails to recognize the burden placed on taxpayers in provinces with a large agricultural sector and small tax base. For example, the cost to fund the provincial portion of the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program is $155 per person in Saskatchewan, compared to the average provincial per capita cost across Canada of $35 and the federal contribution of $30.

"Saskatchewan has put forward the Canadian Agriculture Equity Proposal, which would see provincial spending on APF programs capped at three times the average per capita requirement of all provinces," Wartman said. "However, we are willing to look at all options that would adequately address the fairness and affordability issues around the current 60:40 formula.

"I look forward to continuing this very important discussion with Minister Mitchell at our upcoming meeting."

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For More Information, Contact:

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