SASKATCHEWAN NDP LEADS CHARGE TO REVERSE PLANNED CLOSURES TO CRITICAL CROP RESEARCH FARMS

Deputy Agriculture Shadow Minister Attends Emergency Meeting, Rallies With Those Opposed To Federal Government Cuts And Closures
REGINA – The Saskatchewan NDP is leading the charge to reverse damaging cuts planned by the Federal Government to agricultural research and the closure of two research farms, one near North Battleford and the other near Indian Head.

On Friday morning, Saskatchewan NDP Deputy Agriculture Shadow Minister Trent Wotherspoon attended an emergency meeting with producers and seed growers that are leaders and stakeholders in agricultural research. They gathered amid serious concerns about the plans to cut agricultural research and shut down the Scott Research Farm near North Battleford and the Indian Head Agricultural Research Farm, which has been operating since 1887.
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Earlier this week, Wotherspoon also met with the leadership of the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation and had conversation with the Mayor of Indian Head.
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He has also written to the Federal Government demanding the cuts and closure plans be reversed.
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“Our message to the Federal government is this — Saskatchewan can be the economic engine in this country,” Wotherspoon said after the meeting Friday. “Don’t cut the things that allow us to lead and that provide economic gains and economic opportunity.
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“Today, I’m also calling on Scott Moe and his Minister of Agriculture to address the people of Saskatchewan on what efforts they’re undertaking to stop these closures. We should be standing strong and united with a clear voice in Saskatchewan against these these against these damaging ag research cuts and closures.”
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The cuts and closures could see up to 70 research positions impacted and the loss of valuable assets and the end to crop research that has spanned generations and delivered incredible crop resiliency and productivity, and economic gains. Crop research has proven to deliver a 35-to-one return on investment.
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“Let’s be clear — Saskatchewan producers feed the world,” Wotherspoon said. “We should be investing in growing our agricultural sector, not limiting its potential.”
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