CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL SKILLS SERVICE PROGRAM INTRODUCED UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL POLICY FRAMEWORK

OTTAWA, On, June 16, 2005 - Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman today announced a new program designed to help farmers and their spouses increase their family income through improved farm practices or through increased off-farm income.

Saskatchewan is receiving $21.96 million under the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program aimed at improving the on-farm operation through training. Specifically, CASS provides financial assistance to help participants develop learning plans and access training in areas such as business management, accrual accounting, finance, human resource management; or training to acquire skills for starting a new business.

"Our governments are committed to repositioning the industry so that it can achieve profitability. By helping our farmers and their spouses increase their family income, we are recognizing the role our producers play in maintaining our worldwide reputation as a strong and healthy agricultural supplier," said Minister Mitchell.

"Modern farms with diverse crop and livestock enterprises have become highly complex business operations requiring a broad range of skills to manage," Wartman said. "While other Renewal programs assess farm business plans and new opportunities, this program provides an opportunity for producers to develop individual learning plans and financial support to attain these necessary skills."

Financial support is provided for training, books, tuition, course materials, and if needed, costs beyond books and materials for eligible clients with an approved Individual Learning Plan (ILP) who are pursuing new skills to capture new opportunities.

Producers may obtain more details about Renewal programs by calling Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at 1-866-452-5558 or by visiting www.agr.gc.ca/renewal.

Producers can also contact their local provincial Renewal specialist through the Saskatchewan Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-867-457-2377.

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For more information contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972
(866) 345-7972

Elizabeth Whiting
Minister's Office
Ottawa
(613) 759-1059

Scott Brown, Communications
Saskatchewan Agriculture,
Food and Rural Revitalization
Regina
(306) 787-4031

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