Can Saskatchewan Continue to be a Leader in Global Food Security if Support Doesn’t Come from the Government?

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), along with member RMs, is the principal advocate in representing RMs before all levels of senior government. As the voice of rural Saskatchewan for more than a century, SARM has spoken strongly and clearly to represent rural Saskatchewan interests, and it is no surprise there is concern with the lack of support for global food security, more so, the lack of understanding of the number of sustainable practices that take place in Saskatchewan that reduce our carbon footprint.

“SARM has exerted efforts in Ottawa to highlight the support we need to meet the federal government’s food security goals. We need support to reduce the impacts of inflation, which makes it harder to get loans, diminishes our purchasing power, and creates a barrier for new farmers to enter the industry. Support to counteract increased federal environmental regulations and policies such as proposed reductions in fertilizer emissions, while still increasing agriculture exports from $55 billion to $85 billion. Support to deal with ineffective environmental policies that dictate that farmers find solutions to reduce their carbon footprint when the technological advancement required to convert an entire farming operation to renewable energy simply does not yet exist. And, lastly, support shouldering record inflation-fueled price hikes for gas, fertilizer, and herbicides. Expenses that pave a path to unsustainable agriculture, lower production, and food insecurity,” explains Ray Orb, President of SARM.

Saskatchewan is known worldwide as a consistent and reliable supplier of safe, high-quality grains, oilseeds, pulses, livestock, and agri-food products. In 2021, Saskatchewan’s agriculture exports were the largest on record, with total international sales of $17.5 billion. Saskatchewan products are in demand by the world’s fastest-growing countries. A continued focus on international trade strengthens our economy, draws investment to rural communities, creates job opportunities, and helps with global food security. However, we will not continue to succeed without greater support and understanding from both federal and provincial governments to reduce the obstacles of:

• inflation;
• fertilizer reduction expectations;
• ineffective environmental policies; and
• rising fuel costs.

Rural producers are innovative and resilient; despite all the hurdles imposed by the government, SARM and its members remain hopeful that provincial leaders can and will work together to find solutions that encourage positive change, in a pragmatic way. It’s time for provincial and federal governments to not only recognize but reward the world-class agricultural practices happening right here. Saskatchewan’s producers foster environmental practices that make them among the most sustainable, technologically advanced, growers in the world.

“Every family in the province is feeling the pinch in their household budget, the cost of food and fuel are just a few things that have been hit with inflation hikes. Producers are hurting, in turn, consumers too. Saskatchewan is a self-sustainable province, we utilize everything we produce and see it on our kitchen tables, it’s time to start unifying our goals,” says Ray Orb, President of SARM.

We invite you to join SARM’s 119th Annual Convention on March 13th-15th as we address cabinet on the possible solutions and strategies to keep the sustainability of food production and food security in the province thriving.

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Background: SARM is the independent association representing rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, serving as the primary advocate for its members before senior governments. SARM invites provincial news agencies to join us at convention as representatives from rural Saskatchewan municipalities converge to discuss and debate timely topics, elect officials, and hear the critical issues of Saskatchewan’s rural members. For more information on the convention (including an agenda and registration link) SARM Annual Convention.