SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MONTH

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman has proclaimed the month of October as Agriculture and Food Month in Saskatchewan.

"The agriculture and food industry holds an important place in Saskatchewan's economy, and promises a viable and sustainable future," Wartman said. "During October, we can reflect on the contribution of the agriculture and food industry to the province of Saskatchewan, and the importance of agriculture to all who live in this province."

Saskatchewan's agriculture and food industry accounts for $5 to $6 billion in primary production, and an additional $2 to $3 billion in secondary and value added processing. The industry affects one in every four jobs in Saskatchewan, and accounts for nearly one-third of Saskatchewan's exports.

"The food and beverage industry is now the largest manufacturing sector in the province, with 20 per cent of all manufacturing shipments," Wartman said. "The majority of these companies are located outside Regina and Saskatoon, making a significant contribution to the ongoing renaissance of rural Saskatchewan."

The emerging biofuels industry is creating new markets and uses for various crops and by-products.

"Ethanol and biodiesel will help us to mitigate the effects of climate change and will extend our dwindling supplies of crude oil," Wartman said. "The demand for biofuel feedstock has also pushed up crop prices to levels we haven't seen in a generation or more."

Saskatchewan continues to be a major producer of livestock in Canada and North America, with more than 25 per cent of the Canadian cow herd. Hog production has increased by more than 150 per cent since 1997. Saskatchewan is second in Canada in the production of bison, and farmed elk and deer.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jenna Robertson
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jroberts@agr.gov.sk.ca