Golden West reached out to each of the political parties running in the Saskatchewan Election to get their perspectives on Agricultural issues and priorities.

Progressive Conservative Statement from John Gooshen is a Candidate in the Cypress Hills Constituency 

After their time in government and no meaningful policy it's safe to assume the Saskatchewan Party has no idea or desire to do anything in the agricultural industry. The Agri-Stability program has to be replaced with strong  protectionary policy.  Primary producers are price takers and to have put price makers on the honour system is reckless.  A Conservative government committed to maximizing primary producer returns, protecting from seed based royalties, and protection from equipment manufacturers retaining intellectual property rights is paramount.   A mentorship program to allow ease of tax-free transfers from farm properties and assets would also be implemented. Protecting and promoting food sovereignty should be the focus of our Provincial and Federal Governments.

You'll find the complete party platform for the Progressive Conservatives here. 

Saskatchewan Green Party Statement from Party Leader Naomi Hunter - Candidate for Regina-Elphinstone Centre

The Saskatchewan Green Party food security plan is something I think all Saskatchewan people can appreciate.  I know as a farmer I have had my struggles. My Dad and I have had some very difficult times on the farm. The Saskatchewan Green Party believes that the government needs to have more supports in place for small family farmers. We are proposing that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic we saw a situation where our local food security was threatened very, very quickly. Within three or four days it was a challenge to find things in the grocery store. This seems unconscionable to me when Saskatchewan is known as the bread basket of Canada. We have the technology to grow all our own food here in this province. We have the ability to encourage that sort of local food production and local food security. The Saskatchewan Green Party wants to bring in a Homesteader Act to help small farmers stay on their family farms, to help farmers when they get into trouble. We wish to encourage the use of helpful methods of agriculture and give a leg up to farmers who are struggling. We feel that instead of always putting money in the pockets of big business the Saskatchewan Government would do well to offer help to individual families that are really struggling. I know that when our farm ran into trouble - my father and I grow Haskap - I tried going to the Agriculture Board.  My Dad and I tried every single avenue to get some help to keep our farm going. Really Saskatchewan people need to know that the government is there for them. 

You'll find the complete party platform for the Green Party of Saskatchewan here.  

Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan Statement from Jason Cooper the candidate for the Buffalo Party in the Kindersley riding

As far as the Buffalo Party is concerned we've got a few issues we'd like to bring forward on the agricultural platform. With the COVID that's been going on and the shortage of food and stuff in the stores. We want to look at allowing Saskatchewan residents to buy more from the local farmer and release some of the restrictions around the inspection and processing end. So that people can actually know their going to a farmer and buying food from a farmer and it's the same food the farmer feeds his family, but right now we're unable to access it unless you live on the farm. We also want to create a Young Farmers Initiative Policy that would encourage the transition of the farm between family members, and bring forth legislation on start up corporate tax structures for small and medium businesses in Saskatchewan and that's kind of a sliding scale. As well, we'd like to introduce an initiative where if your farm or corporation - and it's not just related to ag - but if your corporate earnings are $1 million or less we'd like to be able to put in a deal where if you donated 50 per cent of the taxes owed to an industry fund then we'd forgive the other half. That 50% that you put to the industry fund would be in support of local initiatives in your industry, to promote your industry, to promote youth in your industry, and maybe more major infrastructure projects if there's money left at the end of the day.

You'll find the complete party platform for the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan here.