NEWS RELEASE

January 16, 2004                                                                                 For Immediate Release

BREITKREUZ TAKES SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE ISSUES BACK TO OTTAWA

Results of survey taken at Agricultural Forum released

Yorkton – Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, hosted an agricultural forum on January 8, 2004, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre.  Over two hundred farmers, business people and others interested in agriculture came out to hear speakers discuss a number of issues relevant to the industry.  Ample opportunity was given to everyone present to make comments and ask questions about the presentations made at the forum and to discuss other agriculture-related issues as well.

The response to the forum was very positive and indicated that those in attendance appreciated the information given by the presenters.  The questions and comments portion of the forum was a key part of the all day event.  Because the forum is scheduled to be broadcast across Canada on cable television, those present had a unique opportunity to explain their concerns to the nation, including those in charge of agricultural programs in Ottawa.

Dean Vey, General Manager for Farm Debt Mediation, discussed the renewal programs and services that are offered through this government program.  The renewal programs’ goals are:  to increase farm profitability; to enable farmers to make choices about sources of income; to help capture opportunities from science and innovation; and to provide linkages to other elements -- environment, food safety, business risk management and international trade.

Larry Hill, the elected Director and Chair of international trade for the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), discussed the Canada/US wheat trade issue and Genetically Modified Wheat (GMW).  Farmers expressed a great deal of concern over the GMW issue.  They believe it will destroy potential markets for their wheat exports, give too much control to large corporations, and negatively affect the organic grains industry.

Jack Dawes, Agricultural Reporter from Dauphin and Secretary/Treasurer of the Prairie Oat Growers Association, described the state of the oat industry and oat marketing.  Dawes emphasized that the agricultural forum was a welcome opportunity to explain the Prairie Oat Growers’ plan for a check-off on oat marketing.  The goal for the check-off is to provide funds for research and market development.  Dawes also felt that the agricultural forum was an excellent way to hear a wide range of key issues affecting agriculture.

Brad Wildeman, Foreign Trade Chair representing the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), discussed the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) issue in Canada and North America.  His presentation was particularly enlightening in that it showed clearly that the human health risks are extremely minimal, yet this issue has been used politically to create trade disruptions.  Mr. Wildeman’s attendance at this event demonstrated how the forum has become a particularly important event in communicating agricultural issues across Canada.

Canadian Alliance Agriculture Critic Gerry Ritz, M.P. for Battlefords-Lloydminster, spoke about the lack of the government's ability to design and deliver farm gate friendly policies and programs.  His attendance was especially appreciated because as a member of the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, he heard first hand many of the concerns farmers have on agricultural issues and will be better able to represent farmers at committee meetings in Ottawa.

Sandra White, Communications Representative, spoke on behalf of the Farm Income Program Directorate.  She discussed the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program (CAIS).  Farmers had many questions and comments.  She will be back in Yorkton to present a more detailed information session on this new program on Monday, February 9, 2004, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre.

The President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), Terry Hildebrandt, discussed the importance of programs and policies like the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program (CAIS).  Hildebrandt believes that it is important to create opportunities like the agricultural forum so producers have an opportunity to learn and understand the programs and policies that governments are implementing, and that agriculture representatives like him get a chance to receive important feedback.

Garry Breitkreuz put together a questionnaire to gain feedback from those at the agricultural forum.  The results of the questionnaire show how those present felt about several issues:  

• 82% of those present said that introducing Genetically Modified Wheat would negatively affect agriculture in Saskatchewan.
• 47% think that the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) deficit is hurting Canadian trade relations with the United States.
• 58% believe that all the options they desire when selling grain are not offered by the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), while 31% feel that ample options are available.
• 64% believe that the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) does not meet their expectations and does not adequately address their personal farming situation, while only 7% believe it does.
• 51% of respondents do not want the Canadian government to control rail car allocation while 16% want the government to control it.
• 54% want the federal government Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to reduce restrictions on herbicides imported into Canada.

For the first time, the entire forum will be translated into French and be broadcast nationally at least four times.  This is quite unique as no other Member of Parliament has organized an event like this where farmers have an opportunity to express their views on agricultural issues nationally.

Breitkreuz would like to thank everyone who participated, made comments and presentations.  This forum will assist him in better representing the Yorkton-Melville constituency in Ottawa.  But it also helps farmers across Canada better understand the situation here in Saskatchewan.  “The more we understand each other, the more unified a voice we can develop for agriculture.  If anyone was unable to attend this event, letters expressing concern or questions can still be submitted to me,” Breitkreuz concluded.

The agricultural forum will be broadcast on Canada’s Political Channel (CPAC) on the following dates:

Friday, January 16, 2004 – 2:00-7:00 P.M.

Sunday, January 18, 2004 – 7:00-10:00 A.M.

Scheduling is subject to change.  Call 1-877-287-2722 or visit CPAC’s  website at www.cpac.ca for additional broadcasting dates.

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