APAS applauds AgriRecovery announcement
August 5, 2011
(Regina) The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) applauded the announcements by Provincial Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz of financial support for producers with unseeded acres and seeded acres lost due to excess moisture.
“Based on our discussions with producers, we began communicating to government in late May of this year about the need for financial support and publicizing the need through our media friends,” said APAS President Greg Marshall. “We are pleased that the government has initiated AgriRecovery in answer to calls from Prairie farmers. Our members and all affected Prairie producers have been awaiting this announcement for some time now.”
Approximately $448 million in federal-provincial AgriRecovery funding will help farmers and ranchers in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba address challenges caused by excess moisture. The program will provide support of $30 per eligible acre for crop land that could not be seeded as of June 20, 2011, and crop land that was seeded but then flooded out on or before July 31, 2011.
Livestock producers who are coping with the effects of excess moisture this spring and summer can also apply for financial assistance to help cover additional costs, such as renting pasture and transporting feed or livestock. Specific program details will be provided by each province.
APAS was especially pleased with the announced financial support for both livestock producers and for Intensive Livestock Operations (ILO) damaged as a result of this and last year’s extreme weather conditions.The inclusion of support for all livestock operations is welcome news for APAS President Greg Marshall who said that he has been calling for support since last year’s disaster.
“APAS has been lobbying to ensure that any programs announced are meaningful for farmers and their businesses,” Marshall said. “We appreciate that both Ministers toured the affected areas and clearly understand the severity of the situation. When you couple this funding with the other programs like crop insurance, these dollars can go a long way to help farm income and land reclamation.”
-30-
For More Information:
Greg Marshall, APAS President
Telephone: 306-789-7774 (Ext 151) or Cellular: 306- 570-5959 or Email: President@apas.ca