Resolution

WHEREAS Large areas of Saskatchewan have been faced with back to back years of lower than normal moisture; and

WHEREAS Livestock producers are faced with the economic challenges of either transporting livestock feed for great distances or dispersing their herd; and

WHEREAS Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has a provision for livestock tax deferral when low moisture levels result in significant forage shortages; and

WHEREAS Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided for an initial tax deferral designation on September 14, 2018 and an expanded designation on November 1, 2018; and

WHEREAS The impact of drought and subsequent feed shortages are felt province wide and do not follow administrative boundaries; and

WHEREAS Currently there is no formal appeal process for drought impacted individuals not included within a designated area; and

WHEREAS Current sources of data are inadequate to fully reflect climatic and growing conditions across the province;

BE IT RESOLVED That Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada be strongly encouraged to designate the full province of Saskatchewan as eligible for livestock tax deferral for 2018; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That an appeal process be developed for agricultural producers not included within a designated area in future years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada incorporate new technology including satellite vegetative mapping into their drought assessment process.