With the provincial election only weeks away, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) released a set of proposals designed to get candidates from all political parties thinking about how best to support Saskatchewan鈥檚 most important sector.聽
鈥淎griculture has ended up being a major driver of the economy during COVID鈥�19,鈥� said farmer and APAS President Todd Lewis. 鈥淲hile many other sectors have slowed, agriculture has actually performed better. But farmers can鈥檛 be the backbone of the economy without the right government policy.鈥澛�
The APAS proposals cover a wide range of issues impacting the province鈥檚 farmers and other rural residents, including infrastructure, environmental stewardship, resource development on farmland, business risk management and changing demographics.聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e focussing on some big issues,鈥� said Lewis. 鈥淚mproving rural infrastructure like internet, cell service and natural gas is urgent, as is committing to public research and fixing business risk management programs so they actually work for farmers. These are just a few of the major challenges to agriculture that we need all the candidates to acknowledge.鈥�
APAS sent the proposals to every registered political party in Saskatchewan and will be tracking their responses.聽
鈥淥ur hope is to see these recommendations represented in party platforms,鈥� Lewis explained.
In addition to releasing its election priorities, APAS is also partnering with the Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Association to host the Growing Agriculture: 2020 Saskatchewan Provincial Election Forum. Agricultural producers and political candidates will discuss the top issues for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers.
Hosted by Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture, Growing Agriculture will be broadcasted on AccessNow TV and RealAgriculture.com from October 19-25.
For complete information on the APAS election priorities, click .听听
