The federal Agriculture and Agri-Food department will provide funding for Ecological Goods and Services projects, including a pilot project for the Lower Souris Watershed Committee.

Federal Ag minister Gerry Ritz announced the program during his appearance at SARM's midterm convention on Wednesday and Thursday in Regina.

"Our farmers know that farm stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand, and that is why they understand the importance of protecting and enhancing Saskatchewan's natural landscape," said Ritz.

He announced funding of more than $530,000 for the Lower Souris Watershed Committee for a pilot project which he said "will measure the feasibility and benefits of various approaches to environmental stewardship."

Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) are the positive environmental benefits that Canadians derive from healthy ecosystems, including clean water and air, and enhanced biodiversity.

The pilot project will set landscape goals for the quality and quantity of riparian, aspen parkland and tame grassland for wildlife habitat in the Lower Souris Watershed area, and use on-farm data to determine the farmers' costs involved in achieving these landscapes to benefit the environment, and then determine the most effective tools required.