Pasture assistance program is welcome news
For more information, please contact:
Ron Bonnett
CFA President
(705) 987-3402
Ronbonnett@cfafca.ca
Brigid Rivoire
Executive Director
613-715-3113 (cell)
brigid@cfafca.ca
Janice Hall
Director of Communications
613-236-3633 ext. 2322
communications@cfafca.ca
Pasture assistance program is welcome news;
Farmers need a predictable national process that responds to disasters
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) welcomes yesterday's federal and provincial announcement of a $114-million Pasture Recovery Initiative to support producers of breeding livestock in drought-stricken areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
"The drought conditions in Alberta and Saskatchewan have caused economic havoc, particularly in the breeding livestock sector. Drought-damaged pastures have burdened many farmers with exorbitant costs related to feeding their animals. The CFA is grateful for the timely assistance that will help them recoup some of these losses," said CFA President Ron Bonnett.
"The crisis in this region demonstrates the need for a structured agricultural recovery program that is designed to respond quickly to disasters," he added. "An established program such as this one should be available for farmers across Canada. Whether it's drought in Saskatchewan or Alberta, tornadoes in Ontario or floods in Manitoba, farmers need a predictable and reliable system; ready so that they can apply for and receive assistance right away."
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement in Lloydminster, Alberta, with Jack Hayden, Alberta Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister. The funding will be delivered under the AgriRecovery program.
Farm leaders look forward to receiving additional eligibility details and applications. Producers in these areas need this information as soon as possible in order to access this urgently needed assistance.
About the Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations, national and inter-provincial commodity organizations, and cooperatives from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.
