Governments expand irrigation infrastructure

4,500 acres of new irrigation capacity

Today, Member of Parliament Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), on behalf of federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz, and Lyle Stewart, Member of the Legislative Assembly (Thunder Creek), on behalf of Saskatchewan agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud, announced $9 million in new funding to expand and develop irrigation in Saskatchewan. This funding will add approximately 4,500 acres of irrigation capacity in the province.

"Our Government understands that irrigation has the potential to expand production and mitigate the effects of future drought," MP Block said. "This investment will provide a quick return through higher yields and opportunities for expanding the livestock industry, all boosting Saskatchewan producers' bottom lines."

"Irrigation is a major contributor to Saskatchewan's agriculture industry and economy," MLA Stewart said. "Our government is committed to expanding irrigation to give farmers the opportunity to add more acres of high-value crops."

Funding will be provided from the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) and is available to all Saskatchewan irrigation districts that qualify under the program. This funding will help irrigation districts expand their infrastructure.

Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of pumps, turn outs, power lines, pipelines, drains and consulting services. Irrigation districts have until May 18, 2012 to apply for this funding through FRWIP and all work must be completed by March 31, 2013.

"Irrigation is an important economic driver in our province and we appreciate this support to help expand the industry in Saskatchewan," said Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association Chairman Roger Pederson.

Since 2008, the federal and provincial governments have provided just under $30 million for irrigation expansion and rehabilitation, which is approximately $25 million more than was provided during the entire term of the previous provincial government.

FRWIP funding is provided under the federal-provincial Growing Forward framework.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa (Ontario)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.