On behalf of Saskatchewan farmers, a coalition of producer organizations are calling on any changes to the Canada Grain Act to incorporate the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) continuation of mandatory outward inspection, maintenance of its current mandate and governance model, and an emphasis on improved export sales reporting. The Canada Grain Act authorizes the CGC to…

APAS is disappointed with the Supreme Court of Canada ruling on the challenges to federal jurisdiction over carbon taxation. “Saskatchewan agricultural producers have been very concerned about the impact of the federal carbon tax on our sustainability,” APAS President Todd Lewis explained. “As producers, we don’t set the prices for our products, and can’t pass…

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released its submission to the consultation reviewing the Canada Grain Act. “Saskatchewan producers grew 54% of the total value of Canadian grain exports in 2020 and the Canada Grain Act and Canadian Grain Commission are very important to our members,” explained APAS President Todd Lewis. “Our submission reflects…

It's another major hit to farm income. In December 2020, the federal government announced that the carbon tax will increase to $170 per tonne by 2030. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released updated estimates of the impact this increase will have on farmers. “Our updated numbers show that the cost of producing wheat could go up to over $12.50 per acre…

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is pleased the Government of Saskatchewan is investing in agricultural programming and improving rural telecommunications.   APAS recognizes the provincial government's increased agricultural spending in the Budget. The six per cent increase amounts to $386.9 million for the agriculture industry. The government's…

The Rural Connectivity Task Force has released a discussion paper summarizing its findings at the halfway point since launching in September 2020. “All fall we’ve been meeting with experts on the subject of rural internet service,” says Rural Connectivity Task Force Chair and APAS Board member Jeremy Welter, who farms near Kerrobert, SK. “We’re talking to experts from…

APAS held its 2021 Annual General Meeting on March 30, 2021. Following the meeting, the APAS Board of Directors re-elected Todd Lewis, APAS Representative for RM of Lajord #128, as President for 2021. Lewis farms at Gray, Saskatchewan with his family, and was first elected to the position at the end of 2016. Ian Boxall of Tisdale and Bill Prybylski of Willowbrook were…

Call to Action: On behalf of Saskatchewan producers, contact your MP and MLA to support improvements to the AgriStability program. Key Points: The federal and provincial governments are talking about making improvements to AgriStability that would:Remove the AgriStability reference margin limit.Increase AgriStability payment levels from 70% to 80%.Share the cost (60% covered by the federal…