OVER 800 PRODUCERS ATTEND BREITKREUZ’S AG FORUM
“The overwhelming number of farmers attending the forum from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta spoke volumes about the importance of agricultural issues to all presenters, including the federal Agriculture Minister.”

YORKTON – Over 800 producers from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta packed St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton on Thursday for the annual Agriculture Forum, hosted by Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville.

The all-day forum featured a number of presenters speaking on a variety of issues including ethanol, bio-diesel and carbon credits. The feature speaker during the morning portion of the forum was Chuck Strahl, Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture.

“The overwhelming number of farmers attending the forum from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta spoke volumes about the importance of agricultural issues to all presenters, including the federal Agriculture Minister,” said Breitkreuz. “While he was able to share with our producers some positive news about funding for pulse crop exploration, Mr. Strahl will take with him an indication of how dire the situation on the farm really is.”

During his presentation, Strahl announced $3.2 million in funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to explore new North American markets for pulse crops such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas. Strahl also heard statements by various producer groups such as the Canadian Wheat Growers, the National Farmers Union, the Prairie Oat Growers and the Agriculture Producers of Saskatchewan. In addition, the Ag Minister fielded questions from individual producers in the audience.

“Hearing directly from the producers was crucial,” said Breitkreuz. “Instead of hearing a second-hand story about the struggles in farming, Chuck heard it directly. Listening to those farmers who are losing their homes and their livelihoods impacted everyone there. We not only heard about the crisis in farming, we felt it.

“I am very pleased with this year’s Ag Forum,” concluded Breitkreuz. “Much information was received and shared by those in attendance, and I hope we can all benefit from it.”

Garry’s Ag Forum will be re-broadcast on CPAC, providing information to all Canadians on agricultural issues. This will allow our city cousins to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by today’s farmers, the importance of agriculture to all Canadians and the need to support those who provide us with quality food. The complexity of issues in the agricultural industry are key messages that must be told.

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Note: Photos of Thursday’s event are now available by clicking here