Saskatchewan, Novembre 15, 2012 - Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced funding to help pasture patron groups prepare to assume operation of federal community pastures.
"Returning these lands back to their provincial owners is a great opportunity for those with a more direct stake in the use of the land to take over the pasture management," said Minister Ritz. "Our Government is pleased to work with the Province of Saskatchewan and use the flexibility of Growing Forward programming to support this transfer."
"Pasture patrons have been the priority for our government throughout this transition," Stewart said. "This funding will help patron groups with the business costs associated with assuming operation of these pastures and we will continue working hand-in-hand with them throughout this process."
Funding will be available to patron groups for up to 75 per cent of the costs associated with establishing legal entities and the development of business plans, up to a maximum of $80,000. In addition, funding will be available for up to 75 per cent of the costs for patrons to improve their business management skills, up to a maximum of $40,000.
Pasture patron groups are eligible for a maximum benefit of up to $120,000 per group. Funding will be provided under the Saskatchewan Farm Business Development Initiative.
Funding to help patrons establish business plans, form legal entities and access training was one of the recommendations made by the Pastures Advisory Committee. The Committee is made up of industry leaders and was appointed to provide advice and recommendations to the provincial government regarding the transition of these pastures.
"We are pleased the federal and provincial governments are providing this funding to assist patrons in developing their business plans," Saskatchewan Stock Growers President Harold Martens said. "We know this transition will require some business expertise and this funding will go a long ways to helping ensure a smooth transition."
"We have heard from many pasture patrons who are looking to move forward with establishing a business model and this funding will assist them in that process," SARM President David Marit said. "We appreciate this funding and the support governments are providing to patrons."
For more information, patrons can contact their local Ministry of Agriculture Regional Services office, call 1-866-457-2377 or visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.
Funding for this program is being provided under the federal-provincial Growing Forward agreement.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Cory Kolt
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: cory.kolt@gov.sk.ca
