(fiile photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture's contribution to the economy

Economic Development Regina study indicates $11 billion spent during spring seeding

Jun 2, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Economic Development Regina (EDR) is calling spring seeding Saskatchewan’s largest megaproject.

EDR’s Data and Analytics team studied the importance of agriculture in the city’s and provincial economies.

President and CEO Chris Lane said the importance of agriculture cannot be understated.

“When you consider the impact of this work extending across our economy, it’s impossible to overstate the value of agriculture to our province and our city,” Lane said.

EDR’s report, titled Saskatchewan’s Annual Megaproject: Spring Seeding, uses data from a range of sources to understand the impact of this investment and examine the economic factors at play for producers as the crop year progresses.

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Saskatchewan producers will invest more than $11 billion in getting their 2023 crops into the ground. While the work doesn’t end once the seed is planted, EDR’s report focused on field preparation, seed, seed treatment, fertilizer, labour, energy, and other inputs necessary to get to that point

In addition, the report focused in greater detail on three key Saskatchewan crops: spring wheat at $3.3 billion, canola at $5.0 billion, and lentils at $922 million.

The report also discusses the impact that seeding, and the agriculture industry, have on Regina. While a comparatively small amount of primary agriculture takes place in the Greater Regina Area, secondary and supporting businesses play a central role in the city’s economy.

Lane said Regina is referred to as ‘The Heartbeat of the New Prairie Economy’. He said it’s no surprise Regina has become a vital hub for inputs, equipment, business services, trade, and innovation.

“If you live here and you’re not directly involved in agriculture or agribusiness, chances are you know someone who is,” he said.

Lane added EDR continues to search for ways to share Regina’s story with investors, skilled workers, and families across Canada and around the world.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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