Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud has proclaimed October as Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan. In recognition of Agriculture Month, the federal and provincial governments are investing in future leaders of the agriculture industry.
The federal and provincial governments are committing an additional $100,000 in Growing Forward funding to Saskatchewan's Agriculture in the Classroom Program in 2011-12.
"Agriculture is the backbone of this country, and we encourage everyone to celebrate Canadian farmers this month and every month," said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "We are pleased to support the education of energetic and entrepreneurial new entrants to this sector. Together we will ensure the sector remains successful and prosperous for years to come."
"Our government is committed to supporting our province's youth, who are vital to the future success of the agriculture industry," Bjornerud said. "We are pleased to provide this additional funding to help Agriculture in the Classroom teach our young people about farming and ranching in Saskatchewan."
Funding for Agriculture in the Classroom will go toward the development of interactive agriculture-based educational resources. The Saskatchewan 4-H program also benefits from this announcement as a portion of the funding will go to joint 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom initiatives. This new funding, which was recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture's Youth Advisory Committee, brings the total support for Agriculture in the Classroom to $150,000 in 2011-12.
In addition, Bjornerud also announced the launch of the second annual Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship.
The Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship provides 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each to 10 Saskatchewan students entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies. Students in Grade 12 and recent graduates from across Saskatchewan are eligible to submit a written or video essay.
Agriculture Month celebrates the people who work in the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan. Agriculture is directly or indirectly responsible for roughly one in four jobs and generates billions of dollars for the Saskatchewan economy. This includes areas such farming and ranching, sales, manufacturing, research, veterinary science and processing.
"Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers and everyone involved in the agriculture industry work extremely hard and deserve to be recognized for their efforts," Bjornerud said. "Agriculture Month is a great time to thank everyone who contributes to our world-class industry."
For more information on these programs, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.
