NEW FEDERAL MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE TO SPEAK AT AGRICULTURE FORUM MARCH 23
“This is not only a chance for farmers to hear from some of the ag industry’s decision-makers, but it is also a great opportunity to send a message to those decision-makers.”

YORKTON – Garry Breitkreuz’s annual Agriculture Forum, that had been postponed due to the federal election, has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 23rd, in Yorkton. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

This all-day forum, which will be held at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton, will provide information on agricultural issues, explore niche markets for the farming community, and provide direction to producers as to where the agriculture industry may be heading in the future.

“I am very excited about this year’s forum,” said Breitkreuz. “Among our scheduled presenters is Chuck Strahl, Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board.”

Strahl was named federal Minister of Agriculture by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in early February. Minister Strahl immediately set to work, announcing on the same day he was appointed, that producers would begin receiving initial payments under the $755 million Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program (GOPP). The announcement fulfilled a promise made by the Conservative Party during the federal election.

“In addition to Minister Strahl, we will have a number of other representatives from the agriculture industry speak on issues such as ethanol production and international trade,” said Breitkreuz.

The entire forum will be broadcast nationally on cable television and will provide information to all Canadians on agricultural issues. This will allow our urban cousins to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by today’s farmers, and the complexity of issues surrounding the agriculture industry.

“I would like to encourage farmers throughout the area to attend the forum,” said Breitkreuz. “This is not only a chance for farmers to hear from some of the ag industry’s decision-makers, but it is also a great opportunity to send a message to those decision-makers.”

The Agriculture Forum will be held Thursday, March 23, 2006, at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton. Registration is free and will begin at 9:30 a.m. A noon lunch will be provided to all who register. For more information, contact 1-800-667-6606 or 306-782-3309.

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