APAS News Release
May 24, 2006

APAS PLEASED WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE

(Regina) – The Federal Government’s response to the flooding problems that hit Saskatchewan and Manitoba in 2005 and again in 2006 will assist producers who were unable to seed or harvest a crop because of flooding. APAS today acknowledges this initiative as a good short-term response to a significant industry issue. APAS is encouraged that the government is continuing to develop a long-term program for this recurring problem.

“There are flooding problems somewhere in the province almost every year. While flooding or wet conditions may not affect a large area, it is devastating for the people who are involved in these situations. Whether it is too wet to seed or too flooded to harvest or both, the expected revenue for the farm does not materialize,” says APAS President, Ken McBride. “Recurring problems such as this are best dealt with by programming that is consistently in place rather than trying to define the program when it is needed immediately. Predictability is a very valuable management tool.”

APAS has been a strong proponent of more predictability and stability in agricultural policy. We are pleased with the announcement that the federal government has responded to the short term, and commits to continuing to develop longer term predictable policies for the future.

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