By Charlene Tebbutt

Marit takes over as agriculture minister

Aug 16, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Saskatchewan’s new Agriculture minister says he has a lot to learn in his new post, but appreciates the opportunity to represent the industry.

David Marit was named Saskatchewan’s new minister of agriculture Thursday. Marit, who farms with his brother in southern Saskatchewan and is a former head of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, takes over from Lyle Stewart who stepped down from Premier Scott Moe’s cabinet due to health issues.

Marit was previously the province’s minister of highways and infrastructure.

“Obviously it’s a big task, but I look forward to the opportunity to be the agriculture minister for the province of Saskatchewan,” Marit told farmnewsNOW. “For the next little while, I’ll be meeting with farm groups throughout the province just to introduce myself and have discussions with them on some of their key issues.”

Marit said he will continue working toward a resolution on issues around grain transportation, especially as harvest gets underway, as well as working to address ongoing hay and feed shortages in parts of the province. Marit said a request has been sent to federal agriculture minister Lawrence McAuley to approve a tax deferral for struggling farmers.

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Marit said he’s hoping to spend some time in the field helping with the harvest this fall, and noted he is eager to learn more in his new role, which also includes opportunities in research and value-added products.

“I just actually want to get out and meet with farmers and have some discussions with them as well, and farm groups,” Marit said.

Lori Carr takes over from Marit as Minister of Highways and Infrastructure.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt