SASKATCHEWAN URGES ELIMINATION OF CAIS DEPOSIT

The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to pursue changes to the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) at the next national Agriculture Ministers meeting on March 3rd and 4th.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman will once again raise the topic of eliminating the CAIS deposit requirements for producers with his federal and provincial colleagues.

"As I said at the last meeting of Agriculture Ministers in September, it makes sense to drop the CAIS deposit requirement," Wartman said. "Our producers have made it clear that the elimination of the deposit requirement will assist farmers facing cash flow pressures this spring."

Wartman said an amendment to the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) implementation agreement is required to make the change and, based on the rules set out in the APF, such an amendment requires the support of the federal government and at least seven of the provinces. He will promote the idea of an amendment to his provincial colleagues prior to the formal Federal/Provincial/Territorial meeting.

"If CAIS is to remain a pillar in our industry's business risk management planning, we must improve it for producers and make it affordable for all provinces," Wartman said. "In addition to dropping the deposit requirement, we need to create a more equitable cost–sharing arrangement for the program."

Wartman said a fair deal on cost-sharing remains one of Saskatchewan's top priorities under the APF.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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