By Alice McFarlane

More money for business risk management programs, crop insurance and irrigation in Saskatchewan budget

Apr 6, 2021 | 5:00 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — The Saskatchewan government announced a six per cent increase in funding to its agriculture department.

In the provincial budget announced this afternoon, the ministry will receive an additional $23.1 million this fiscal year bringing total spending to $386.9 million.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said the government wants to secure a reliable and safe food supply chain.

“The budget will once again fully fund business risk management programs, provide a record level of per/acre coverage under the Crop Insurance Program, continue last year’s record investment in agriculture research, and make important investments in irrigation expansion,” Marit said.

There is a $20.6 million increase to business risk management funding compared to 2020-21. This means roughly $265 million for the suite of programs, which are part of the federal/provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

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There is a new record for per/acre coverage under the Crop Insurance program at $273 an acre. The government announced earlier it would spend $150.1 which is an increase of $11.1 million from last year.

New program features include additional options for producers wanting to ensure their tame hay acres, an increase in Native Forage Establishment Benefit coverage, the introduction of the Commercial Vegetable Pilot Program, and increases to the establishment benefit values for canola, lentils, chickpeas and corn.

There will be $33.1 million for municipal infrastructure under the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program, the Urban Highway Connector Program, and the Community Airport Partnership Program.

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan president Todd Lewis said roadways need to be continually upgraded.

“Producers made the investment to grow more crops. We need to see governments, both local and federally, invest more money to improve our road and transportation systems across the province,” Lewis said.

The budget also included $530,000 for a new Short-line Rail Infrastructure Program.

An additional $2 million will be added to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. All producers quality for this coverage.

Western Canadian Wheat Growers chair Daryl Fransoo said the added funding announced today was welcome news.

“The budget provided the appropriate levels of support for the agriculture industry, especially during a pandemic,” Fransoo said. “No new tax increases and no decrease in the budget ensures ongoing agriculture programs.”

Agricultural research funding will stay at $32.9 million. There will be an increased $2.5 million spent on irrigation development projects outside of the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project.

The budget also included an additional $5 million in spending for four new international trade offices which will be announced in the coming months. Saskatchewan currently has offices in Japan, India, Singapore and China.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW