THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN DELIVER FOR PRAIRIE FARMERS

The Government of Canada is delivering for Saskatchewan farmers by signing a new five-year agreement that will support sustainable irrigation and help build a stronger agricultural sector. Parliamentary Secretary Lynne Yelich, made the announcement today on behalf of the Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz at the Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre's (CSIDC) annual Irrigation Field Day.

"This Government is providing farm families with the resources they need to be competitive and successful," said Yelich. "We are working with Canadian farmers to find new and innovative ways to use less water to do more."

"We are committed to helping Saskatchewan producers address their irrigation needs," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Today's announcement reaffirms that commitment and is another step toward long-term sustainability in the agriculture industry."

The partners, which include the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, the Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association and the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation, as well as its newest partner - the University of Saskatchewan - have signed the framework agreement and were present at this major event.

This is only one in many steps the Government of Canada has taken to put Saskatchewan farmers first. This government has also:

• Committed $9 million in drought relief for the Saskatchewan Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program;
• Supported livestock producers in their time of need helping them maintain much needed cash-flow;
• Moved forward on biofuels; providing new markets for farmers and new and exciting jobs for our rural communities;
• Worked hard to open new markets for our great Canadian products; and
• Signed a new framework for agriculture that will secure a more profitable and more competitive industry.

The CSIDC Irrigation Field Day is held annually to showcase innovation in support of sustainable irrigated production and to facilitate technology transfer. The theme for this year's field day, "Valuing Our Water", highlights the importance of water in agriculture and the benefits of increasing irrigation water use efficiency.

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For more information, contact:

Margaux Stastny
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Ottawa
Phone: 613-759-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 1-866-345-7972

Jenna Webb
Saskatchewan Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359