Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart has proclaimed October as Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan.
"Agriculture has an important role in the new Saskatchewan, where there are more opportunities and an unparalleled quality of life for people in both cities and on farms," Stewart said. "Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land whose products feed a growing population at home and around the world."
Agriculture is a vital contributor to Saskatchewan's economy accounting for one-third of the province's exports and one quarter of the province's jobs. For the first time ever in 2011, Saskatchewan was Canada's top exporter of agri-food products reaching $10.2 billion worth of exports.
Agriculture has a bright future and many opportunities in Saskatchewan. The jobs created across the province in farming, ranching, research, processing, finance and other areas demand well-trained graduates and entrepreneurs who share a passion for agriculture.
Over the past five years, the Government of Saskatchewan has made agriculture a priority with record crop insurance coverage levels, record funding for agricultural research and the largest education property tax reduction in the province's history. Farmers and ranchers have also benefited from expansion of regional agriculture extension offices, programs such as the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program and the recently announced International Market Development Program.
"Agriculture will continue to be important to our province's growth," Stewart said. "I would like to extend my appreciation to the farm and ranch families of Saskatchewan for their ongoing dedication to our agriculture industry and province."
Throughout the month of October, the Ministry of Agriculture is planning events and announcements that highlight the industry and those involved with it.
