The Saskatchewan Forage Council will use funds from the federal government to hire a new official who will steer an industry network and facilitate research and funding.
The co-ordinator will head the newly formed Saskatchewan Forage Network.
“This project is coming at a key time for the forage industry, as we are currently facing a serious lack of investment in forage research and program funding, both in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Funding for this project will be used to consult with and bring together stakeholders in a co-ordinated effort on forage-related issues facing the industry,” said Aaron Ivey, president of the SFC and chair of the Forage Network Steering Committee, in a media release.
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“I am happy to report that this network has already seen positive progress.”
The steering committee also includes representatives from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, SaskMilk, Saskatchewan Leafcutters Association, the Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission and the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.
The new position is funded with $148,000 from the federal government’s Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program and the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Development Fund.
“The formation of the network will enable the sector to achieve tangible and practical results through calculated investments in key areas,” said agriculture minister Gerry Ritz in the release.
