SASKATCHEWAN INCREASES OPPORTUNITIES WITH UKRAINE

Saskatchewan is participating in an agricultural development assistance program with Ukrainian rural communities.

Through the Facility for Agricultural Reform and Modernization (FARM) program, Saskatchewan businesses and researchers can respond to needs identified by Ukrainian partners.

"Our goal is to bring Saskatchewan's agriculture expertise to help Ukrainian communities develop their agriculture industry and open up opportunities for Saskatchewan business," Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said.

"Ukraine is an emerging market for livestock genetics, dryland farming technology, seed cleaning equipment, agriculture consulting services and seed," Serby added. "In the long term, the development of the agriculture industry in Ukraine can be a very beneficial trade opportunity for Saskatchewan, particularly for higher value agricultural technology and services."

The Province of Saskatchewan is contributing $400,000 in-kind over the next five years. The FARM program is led by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, which is contributing $125,000 to the program. With the added contributions of project partners, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Government of Canada, and the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta, FARM forms the largest agricultural development project Canada has undertaken in Ukraine.

The FARM program is intended to work with Ukraine's national government, four participating oblasts (provinces), and academic agricultural institutions to strengthen Ukraine's capacity in the areas of agricultural policy and program development, agricultural extension services, and civil society in the agrarian sector.

Ukraine has a population of nearly 50 million people and their internal demand for agriculture and food products is very strong. Ukraine is targeting to eventually become a member of the European Union, and building strong ties to Ukraine could help Saskatchewan business through improved access to the European Union market in the future.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown SAFRR Regina Phone: 787-4031