(Twitter/@APASGenMgr)

By Alice McFarlane

Canadian canola

Ag group impatient waiting for action on trade dispute

Apr 25, 2019 | 4:16 PM

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) said farmers cannot wait any longer for action on canola exports to China.

APAS President Todd Lewis said crops are going into the ground under a cloud of uncertainty and weeks of silence from government.

“Spring seeding has begun in some parts of the province and many other producers are getting close,” Lewis said in a news release. “Saskatchewan farmers need to know now whether the government intends to put any additional supports in place to help them manage the unprecedented risk in growing canola this year.”

Lewis said APAS brought several proposals to a meeting with the federal agriculture and trade ministers a month ago in Saskatoon but have not heard anything since.

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“Obviously, diplomatic conversations and negotiations need to be happening at the highest level in order to resolve this situation but in the meantime there are steps the government can take to strengthen the safety nets available to our farmers,” Lewis said.

APAS has suggested improvements to the Cash Advance Program as well as changes to the AgriStability program including enhancing coverage to deal with export market issues and waiving the enrolment fees for the 2019 AgriStability applications.

The group also wants the enrolment deadline extended beyond April 30 and late enrolment penalties waived.

Lewis added the government should be prepared to make AgriStability interim payments should trade issues seriously reduce farm income and crop insurance staff should be made available to assist producers with their applications.

“These programs are intended to help producers cope with situations of uncertainty and risk and provide emergency support to producers and rural families. It is time for the government to step up and commit to program changes that will provide meaningful financial support during this time of need. The time to act is now,” Lewis said.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF