Released on March 18, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the role a thriving and sustainable agricultural industry plays in the province’s economy with this year’s investment into agriculture programs and services. The Ministry of Agriculture 2015-16 budget is $362.4 million.
“A successful agriculture industry is essential to Saskatchewan’s diversified economy,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. “Over the past number of years we have seen the agriculture sector grow, and our government is committed to ensuring that growth continues. A strong agriculture industry means a strong Saskatchewan.”
Agriculture continues to receive strong support in the 2015-16 Budget with minimal change from last year. The 2015-16 agriculture budget contains $71.2 million for strategic initiatives, including $26.7 million for agricultural research and innovation.
The government will once again provide $4.2 million in industry assistance, for support of organizations like the 4-H Council of Saskatchewan, Canadian Western
Agribition and Agriculture in the Classroom.
The 205-16 Agriculture Budget also contains $240 million to fully fund business risk management programs such as Crop Insurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest to support farming operations as they look to grow and expand.
The 2015 Crop Insurance Program includes ongoing enhancements giving producers more choice and flexibility. As well, Crop Insurance premiums are decreasing for producers while coverage levels, on average, are increasing to $183 per acre, up from $162 per acre in 2014.
“This Budget will help keep agriculture and Saskatchewan’s economy strong as we focus on building a productive and sustainable agriculture industry,” Stewart said. “Our government will continue to offer the programs and services that farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses need to be successful.”
The ministry’s 2015-16 Budget of $362.4 million is a 2.5 per cent decrease from last year. The previous budget included an above average amount of strategic initiative spending carried over from the first year of the Growing Forward (GF2) Agreement. This carryover spending is not required for the 2015-16 Budget. The total GF2 commitment, $388 million over the five years of the program, remains the same.
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For more information, contact:
Tiffany Stephenson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031
Email: tiffany.stephenson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-3851