Funding to Help Patrons Develop Business Plans and Establish Legal Entities
Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced funding to help pasture patron groups prepare to assume operation of federal community pastures.
"Returning these lands back to their provincial owners is a great opportunity for those, with a more direct stake in the use of the land, to take over the pasture management," said Ritz. "Our government is pleased to work with the Province of Saskatchewan and use the flexibility of Growing Forward programming to support this transfer."
"Pasture patrons have been the priority for our government throughout this transition," Stewart said. "This funding will help patron groups with the business costs associated with assuming operation of these pastures and we will continue working hand-in-hand with them throughout this process."
Funding will be available to patron groups for up to 75 per cent of the costs associated with establishing legal entities and the development of business plans, up to a maximum of $80,000. In addition, funding will be available for up to 75 per cent of the costs for patrons to improve their business management skills, up to a maximum of $40,000.
Pasture patron groups are eligible for a maximum benefit of up to $120,000 per group. Funding will be provided under the Saskatchewan Farm Business Development Initiative.
To read the complete SK Ministry of Ag News Release, click here.
Posted November 15, 2012
