Released on May 15, 2014
Program to Address Labour Challenges on Saskatchewan FarmsThe Agricultural Operator Program is now accepting applications for its second module, Spraying and Scouting.
“Through the Ag Operator Program, our government is helping Saskatchewan workers get hands-on experience and training needed to work on today’s farms,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Labour is a major driver of our agriculture industry and this program will help fill shortages and make an important contribution to Saskatchewan’s economy.”
“Having a comprehensive training program that meets the needs of farmers continues to be a priority for our government,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. “I encourage all individuals looking for the skills to work on a farm, as well as current farm employees, to consider enrolling in this program.”
The second module of the program will run from June 11 to July 4, 2014.
The module is comprised of 36 hours of hands-on workshops and nine hours of online delivery. In-class sessions will take place from June 11 to 13, 2014, and June 16 to 18, 2014. It will cover essential farm knowledge for spraying, scouting and equipment maintenance. Registration for the second module closes on June 10, 2014. The program takes place at Parkland College in Yorkton.
The third module is the Harvesting module and is scheduled to run from July 7 to August 15, 2014.
The federal and provincial governments are providing $200,000 in funding for the development and delivery of the Agricultural Operator Program pilot through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial initiative.
For more information on how to apply for the program, go to www.Saskatchewan.ca/GrowingForward2 or www.parklandcollege.sk.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972
Jeff English
Office of Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059