MLA Cockrill discusses province’s support for value-added agriculture
REGINA, Sask. — Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill discussed the province’s support for the agriculture industry and value-added initiatives in the new budget during his presentation at the Saskatchewan Legislature Friday.
During the debate, he said the government’s agriculture value-added strategies outlined in its provincial growth plan, will help bolster Saskatchewan in its short-term economic recovery and ensure its long-term prosperity.
“When I stand here today and talk about value-added agriculture in this House, I understand the urgency with which we must create the conditions and pursue the opportunities that are available to us here in Saskatchewan,” he said. “As land prices increase and the cost of labour increases, and our producers face increasing global competition, it is even more essential to have value-added options for producers to ensure they can be successful at the primary level.”
Cockrill commended the work of producer-owned North West Terminal Ltd. in Unity in creating value-added initiatives in addition to serving as a grain handling facility. The organization established an adjacent facility that produces ethanol for fuel, industrial and potable markets, among its ventures.