Dear Prime Minister Harper
December 18, 2008
December 18, 2008
Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minster Harper
On behalf of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, I am writing to support recent public comments made by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Saskatchewan Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer relative to the plight of the Saskatchewan and Canadian livestock industries and the need for assistance to the livestock industry in the economic stimulus that the federal government will incorporate in its upcoming budget.
Saskatchewan and Canadian livestock producers have experienced and continue to experience significant economic hardship. Beef, pork, and poultry producers have all been challenged by depressed prices, fluctuations in the Canadian dollar, and significant increases in input costs. The recent implementation of COOL legislation in the United States is causing further havoc in markets and prices.
Having made the point that the economic stimulus must include assistance to the beef, pork, and poultry sectors, our Association wishes to offer some specific solutions for the beef sector. Earlier this year, APAS commissioned a study on the Saskatchewan cow-calf sector. The study, “The Cow-Calf Sector in Crisis”, identified a number of policy options which were discussed with our membership in a series of meetings this summer and fall. Members voted overwhelmingly for the adoption of the following resolution at our Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2008:
“That APAS adopt the following policy position for advancement to other farm organizations and federal and provincial governments as potential solutions to the current and ongoing crisis in the livestock industry in Saskatchewan:
1. Sufficient payment on either a per-acre or a productivity basis to encourage producers to retain livestock, forage, and grass. Such a grass payment would provide producers with financial benefits in recognition of the environmental stewardship of such land use.
2. Change Business Risk Management Programs to treat livestock producers equitably with grains and oilseeds producers.
3. Rollback Community Pasture Rates because patrons would not be eligible for the grass payment. This would provide producers who use community pastures with a financial incentive to remain in the livestock industry.
4. Continue opposition to COOL legislation.”
Given that your government is currently considering economic stimulus for the upcoming federal budget, I wanted to bring the plight of the livestock industry and our policy to your attention. APAS is seeking a meeting with Minister Ritz to discuss this and other key agricultural issues.
In concluding, I wish to express the very strong hope that your government will recognize the significant and urgent need of the livestock industry and provide much needed assistance in your national economic stimulus initiatives.
APAS is Saskatchewan’s general farm organization formed to provide farmers and ranchers with a democratically elected, grassroots, non-partisan, producer organization based on rural municipal boundaries. As the voice of agriculture in Saskatchewan, APAS represents the views of all agricultural stakeholders in order to form comprehensive policies that benefit all sectors of agriculture.
Respectfully yours;
Greg Marshall
President
Copies to: Honourable Gerry Ritz
Honourable James Flaherty
Premier Brad Wall
Honourable Bob Bjornerud
APAS Board of Directors
APAS RM Representatives