A total of $625.0 million was allocated for agriculture—an increase of $54.6 million over the previous year.

The majority, $483.9 million. will pay Saskatchewan’s portion of the federal/provincial Sustainable Canadian Agriculture partnership. This covers a host of risk management programs, such as Crop Insurance and Agri-Stability.

The budget includes $89.4 million for programs to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture sector. Agricultural research will receive $37 million.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) says the budget includes several priorities that members have been advocating for, although there is still room for improvement, according to President Bill Huber.

SARM will continue to lobby for additional infrastructure funding and larger investments in rural policing.  Huber is pleased with the 6.3 per cent increase in revenue sharing.