PROVINCE PROCLAIMS 2009 AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK

March 11-17, 2009, has been proclaimed Agricultural Safety Week in Saskatchewan.

The week is held in conjunction with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), which is focusing on agricultural safety equipment this year.

The week is proclaimed in Saskatchewan each year by the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.

"This week is a reminder of the importance of farm safety," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "I encourage farming and ranching families to take the necessary safety precautions in their day-to-day operations."

Saskatchewan Agriculture provides funding to the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) to deliver safety initiatives and services for farm and ranch families. More than 165 RMs also contribute a significant amount to these projects.

"Agriculture is vitally important to Saskatchewan's economy, Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "We encourage farmers and ranchers to take every step possible to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Agricultural Safety Week is supported by numerous agricultural organizations including the Farmers with Disabilities Program of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, and the Saskatchewan Alliance for Safety and Health in Agriculture.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca