(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Federal Budget 2019

Federal budget a mixed bag for agriculture.

Mar 19, 2019 | 5:06 PM

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) said the 2019 Federal budget has both positives and negatives for rural communities.

APAS President Todd Lewis said one of the first issues the group wanted addressed was the carbon tax on fuel purchases at Cardlock gas stations.

“It appears that the government has listened to our concerns and will provide a solution to the Cardlock situation before the April 1 implementation of the Carbon Tax, but APAS still needs to clarify the process for producers,” Lewis said.

Lewis said APAS would have liked to see some recognition of the long-term financial impacts of the Carbon Tax on agricultural producers.

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“We’re hoping to see some clarity on what this is going to cost. We’ve said right from the start this is going to have a huge impact on farmers. Carbon is managed by farmers and the tax is not the right way to go. I think that’s disappointing,” Lewis said. “The exemptions are not going to cover the money that’s taken out of rural Saskatchewan.”

Lewis said the positive aspects of the budget include programs to expand rural high-speed internet service, infrastructure funding eligibility for short line railways, and funding for a study on land and water resources on the prairies.

“We look forward to seeing more details on these programs as they roll out and are hoping that funding for high-speed connectivity is available for Saskatchewan rural communities.” Lewis said.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF