Two MLAs fielded questions from Yorkton agrologists and farmers at a speaking engagement in the newly-opened Pattison Agriculture building.
Warren Kaeding, the MLA for Melville-Saltcoats, and the Minister of the Economy Hon. Steven Bonk, the MLA for Moosomin, discussed a wide range of topics with the audience.
The event, hosted by the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA), was held in the training theatre on Dec. 13.
Kaeding opened the engagement with a speech about acts and regulations. He discussed updates to the Agrologist Act and Bill 44 (the Water Security Agency Amendment Act). He also touched on trade in Canada and around the world.
“We’re in a global climate, especially when it comes to trade,” he said.
Bonk detailed his background in farming before diving into a wide-reaching discussion with the attendees.
Bonk talked about the recent restriction on pulse exports India imposed on Canada. Saskatchewan is one of the major producers on pulses in the country and this limitation on how many pulses India will aceept from Canada could have a big impact on the economy.
“We need to get our heads around how this whole system works,” Bonk said. “There are a lot of balls in the air.”
Bonk said he’s been to India to work out a potential deal with the country.
“I’m confident that [this deal] might work,” he said.
Some of the agrologists in attendance expressed concerns about a mandated carbon tax. Bonk said Saskatchewan farming is helping to lower Canada’s overall carbon emissions.
Other agrologists suggested educating the public about agriculture is the key to securing financial stability.
“We have one big thing on our side: Science,” Bonk said. “We have a good story to tell.
“We can’t take our foot off the gas.”
