SASKATOON – All regions of Saskatchewan won’t likely be treated equally when it comes to dishing out farm aid money, according to the province’s agriculture minister.
“We think that the dollars aren’t going to be spent over the whole province,” said Eric Upshall at a Jan. 6 news conference in Saskatoon.
Northwestern Saskatchewan, which was hard-hit by drought last spring and summer, needs the most help, said Upshall. He wouldn’t reveal how much aid farmers can expect from the province, but said it will probably reach $100 to $200 million with the federal government chipping in $3 for every two from the province.
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The money is expected to reach producers’ hands before spring seeding, said Upshall.
Although the rest of Saskatchewan has voiced a need for assistance, Upshall said increases in grain prices and better pool returns have diminished the need for producers in most areas.
“It’s not a dramatic problem provincewide that it was when prices were in the tank.”
Meanwhile the province will be going “full steam ahead” in its push for more federal aid money, said Upshall.
“I’ve always said we’ll never close the door. Never.”
