The Saskatchewan government won’t be issuing emergency aid cheques to farmers any time soon.
Nor will it recall the legislature to discuss the impact of fuel prices on farmers’ bottom lines.
Agriculture minister Mark Wartman said he sympathizes with farmers but the province can’t accommodate a request from the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan to “invest strategically” in agriculture through a cash injection or a fuel price rebate.
“I just don’t see it happening,” he said in an interview. “Yes, we do have more resources, but it’s not like we were way ahead of the demand.”
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For the second time this year, APAS president Terry Hildebrandt called on the province to provide about $180 million to farmers. He said the government is enjoying a financial windfall thanks to record oil prices and should share some of it.
While all motorists are paying more than ever for fuel, Hildebrandt said other businesses can find ways to pass on the increased cost. Farmers and ranchers can’t.
He pointed out that even couriers who deliver parts to rural areas can raise their prices to farmers.
He said a rebate would be an equitable way to distribute assistance because each producer uses around the same amount of fuel per acre.
Hildebrandt also asked premier Lorne Calvert to recall the legislature for an emergency debate.
“Let’s acknowledge this crisis,” he said.
Wartman noted that the province already has tax exemptions in place to help farmers keep their fuel costs lower.
He suggested that APAS is focusing its efforts on the wrong government, since Ottawa offers no exemptions on farm fuel and it charges GST.
“The federal government really needs to take a more significant role in dealing with the competitive situation of Canadian farmers,” Wartman said.
He added that farmers deserve a better return for their product and APAS and the province should work together to focus on making policy changes at the national level.
Hildebrandt agrees better policy is necessary but he said farmers need help in the meantime.
APAS was scheduled to meet with the federal Liberal caucus during its meetings in Saskatchewan this week.
“We have some educating to do,” said Hildebrandt. “We have to get caring about our primary producers … or we’re toast.
“It’s time for a different ag policy. We can review what we’ve got till we’re blue in the face but it’s not going to change anything.”
