COLLABORATIVE VENTURE SUPPORTS SASKATCHEWAN AGRI-VALUE SECTOR

As part of its commitment under the Agricultural Policy Framework, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested in the future of Saskatchewan agri-value businesses with a three year, $450,000 program with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP).

"Expanding Business – Building Capacity" will fund the hiring of marketing interns to established agri-value companies, to assist them with researching new product opportunities and completing market development plans to realize opportunities.

"Saskatchewan agri-business companies need support in seeking out niche product opportunities, and organizing their business case to deliver those opportunities," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "This program will allow those firms to work with interns who have developed business expertise, particularly in marketing, to help build marketing capacity within their companies."

Interns will conduct market research and develop specific marketing programs for new products or markets. A significant portion of the work will be for markets outside of Saskatchewan.

"STEP members have repeatedly told us that they often struggle with limited financial and human resources in accessing international markets," STEP President and CEO Dale Botting said. "Saskatchewan businesses also need to attract skilled labour and retain our recent graduates. This new program will definitely create a win/win solution. It combines some financial incentives for exporters with immediate opportunities for Saskatchewan interns to translate their training into real life marketing situations."

The funding will allow companies to receive 50 per cent of a new marketing intern's salary for a minimum of four months, as well as optional funding to assist with travel costs of the intern for in-market research purposes.

"This program provides a cost-effective means for businesses to develop strong marketing initiatives," FarmPure CEO Trenton Baisley said. "At the same time, it will also help attract trained employees with marketing skills."

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359

Dale Botting Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Regina Phone: (306) 787-7919