Record agriculture exports spur Saskatchewan economy
By Jordan Parker
Despite a worldwide pandemic, Saskatchewan managed to post record numbers for agriculture exports in the province for 2020.
David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, says more product was available to international markets than ever before.
“World demand for Saskatchewan agricultural products like canola, pulses and cereal grains is growing,” says Marit.
“Saskatchewan is diversifying its export markets, most notably for pulses. There was a significant increase in Saskatchewan pulses exported to markets including India, China, Turkey, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates.”
In 2019 and 2020, the provinces recorded its second and third largest crops ever, producing over 38-million metric tonnes of crop.
“Investments in agricultural research and demonstration allow best practices to drive industry growth,” said Marit. “In January, the provincial and federal governments announced $9.8 million in funding for 39 crop-related research projects through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).”
Marit says they managed this feat during the COVID-19 pandemic that has kept many indoors since March 2020 because agriculture exports has remained a priority for the Saskatchewan government.
“Growing agricultural exports is a strategic priority for the Saskatchewan Government and we’ve been working towards our targets since the growth plan was first announced,” he says.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saskatchewan and federal governments committed to supporting open and stable global supply chains by ensuring agri-food products moved efficiently, without disruption, through our transportation system.”
Due to the virus, less products from other areas were being produced. This allowed more room on railways for Saskatchewan product.
“This made it more efficient to trade and transport agricultural products,” said Marit. “2020 strengthened Saskatchewan’s reputation as a trusted, safe, stable supplier of high quality agriculture commodities and value added products.”
He said Saskatchewan remains on track to meet their Growth Plan goals of “growing agri-food exports to $20 billion and agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030.”
“Saskatchewan will continue to diversify its export markets and work on trade relationships in priority markets. Asian markets continue to be important for Saskatchewan agri-food export growth due to the rising middle class and high population growth. In 2021, the Government of Saskatchewan is opening three new trade offices in India, Japan and Singapore to complement the existing office in China.”
Photo: David Marit, Minister of Agriculture