Grain Bag Recycling Program Receives $200,000 to Meet Demand

Released on April 20, 2015

The federal and provincial governments have committed $200,000 to the continuation of the Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project in 2015.  The program collects both grain bags and twine province-wide.

The new funding will allow Simply Ag Solutions to meet the strong demand for the program.  In 2014-15, Simply Ag Solutions shipped 1,871,000 pounds of plastic from their 13 collection sites.

“Our government remains committed to supporting Canada's producers and our world-class agriculture industry,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.  “By extending the pilot project, we’re giving farmers an easy and positive solution to continue to be excellent stewards of our land, air and water resources.”

“Grain bag recycling increased significantly last year, shipping three times more plastic than in the three previous years of the project combined,” Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said.  “The project is doing what it is designed to do and the increased uptake demonstrates the commitment of Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.”

Since its inception in 2011, the Grain Bag Recycling Pilot Project has recycled approximately 2,421,000 pounds of plastic or 7,345 bags.  The Ministry of Environment continues to work on the creation of regulations that will see the establishment of a permanent industry-led recycling program in the future.

“Our goal is to divert as much plastic from farmyards and landfills as possible and with the help of producers in Saskatchewan,” Simply Ag Solutions Agriculture Plastic Recycling Co-ordinator Travis Quirk said.  “Our efforts are making an impact.”

Farmers and ranchers can access collection sites across the province in Cudworth, Hirsch, Humboldt, Kelvington, Macoun, Marshall, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Mossbank, Prince Albert, Rush Lake, Saskatoon and Unity.

For additional information, producers can contact Simply Agriculture Solutions toll-free at 1-866-298-7222.

This investment is funded through Growing Forward 2, a cost-shared partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments designed to support an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

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For more information, contact:

Sarah Hein
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5389
Email: sarah.hein@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-9102

Jeff English
Office of Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972