Saskatchewan investing in ag pest control

May 07, 2018

The Pest Biosecurity Program will receive $2.85 million annually

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Canadian governments are making investments to help Saskatchewan farmers manage agricultural pests.

A new Pest Biosecurity Program will receive $2.85 million annually from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities will deliver the program. It will develop a network of Plant Health Officers across Saskatchewan and provide three rebate programs to help minimize the impact of ag pests.

“Farmers know that pests can be a significant liability to the environment and the economy,” Lawrence MacAulay, federal agriculture minister, said in a release Thursday. “This funding will ensure local programming exists to mitigate pest issues, helping Canadian growers protect their agricultural crops and keep their businesses strong.”

A total of 12 Plant Health Officers (six full-time and six seasonal) will monitor, survey and report on pests and weeds. They will also provide farmers with necessary training to ensure a consistent management approach.

These programs will give Saskatchewan farmers “access to the training and tools they need to protect their livelihoods and be responsible stewards of the land,” Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, said in yesterday’s release.

The three rebate programs are cost-shared up to 50 per cent between First Nations and rural communities.

The Invasive Plant Control Program will provide up to $500,000 in annual rebates to producers to support the costs of herbicides.

The Rat Control Program will supply bait rebates up to $500,000 per year. The Beaver Control Program will provide up to $450,000 in annual rebates for hiring licensed professionals to remove beavers humanely.

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