FIRST NATIONS BENEFIT FROM NEW AGRICULTURAL POLICY FRAMEWORK SERVICE REGINA, Saskatchewan, October 24, 2005 - Saskatchewan First Nations owning and leasing farmland can immediately access Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) programs and services adapted to their specific needs. The First Nations Agricultural Council of Saskatchewan (FNACS) will deliver Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs) under the Environment Chapter of the APF. EFPs are a voluntary and confidential self-assessment used by producers to raise awareness and identify environmental risks on their farm operations. The delivery of EFPs through FNACS on First Nations lands is tailored to meet the unique land tenure system of treaty lands in Canada. "With a significant portion of agricultural land in Saskatchewan being managed by First Nations, there is a need to create further awareness surrounding sustainable environmental technologies that can address agricultural impacts," says Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell. "FNACS will ensure that First Nations producers and land owners have access to that kind of support, including environmental programs, which can build on their need for land stewardship of the natural resource." "The APF supports producers farming First Nations land and provides a delivery mechanism that recognizes First Nations culture," says Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Mark Wartman. "This agreement with FNACS ensures that the delivery of environmental programs will be done in a manner that serves the needs of First Nations farmers and landowners." "FNACS exists to develop a strong, viable and sustainable agriculture industry both on and off reserve for status Indians," says Chief Alphonse Bird of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. "We will create a greater awareness among First Nations people surrounding the importance of sustainable farm management practices." Working together under the APF, governments and industry are looking to accelerate efforts to reduce agricultural risks and provide benefits to Canada's soil, water, air and bio-diversity resources. Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry has an important role to play in helping Canada meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. Working with governments across the country, Canadian farmers are taking action on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and taking measures on their farms that remove harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. A healthy and vibrant agriculture industry benefits all Canadians. For more information on: -30- (Authored and distributed by Saskatchewan Ag and Food, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and FSIN) |