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APAS launches survey of Sask. farmers about COVID-19

After coping with a perfect storm of trade disputes, transportation disruptions, and challenging weather conditions for the past two years, Saskatchewan farmers are on high alert about how COVID-19 will impact agricultural finances, supply chains, an
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After coping with a perfect storm of trade disputes, transportation disruptions, and challenging weather conditions for the past two years, Saskatchewan farmers are on high alert about how COVID-19 will impact agricultural finances, supply chains, and access to labour this growing season.

In response to their concerns, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has launched an online survey to collect information about how COVID-19 is affecting farmers in Saskatchewan. The survey, found at apas.ca/survey, will track how the province’s agricultural sector is coping with the rapidly evolving crisis.

“The situation is changing fast, and it’s crucial for us to have real-time information to share with government about how farmers are being affected by COVID-19,” explained APAS President and farmer Todd Lewis.

“The more data APAS can collect about what’s happening at the Saskatchewan farm gate, the more likely it will be for government support measures to actually meet farmers’ needs. The federal government took a first step by increasing the capacity of FCC and extending repayment on Advance Payments Program loans, but increasing farmers’ debt is not the answer. Much more needs to be done.”

The survey, which was launched on March 24, will be updated each week, with results made public and communicated to government officials. Saskatchewan agricultural producers are asked to respond each week in order to track changing conditions.

Questions include whether farmers are experiencing disruptions to their operations, including cost increases, shipping delays, and access to the labour force. The survey also asks about farmers’ financial needs and mental health, as well as their top business concerns related to COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented, and we really don’t know what to expect in terms of how agricultural supply chains could be affected,” said Lewis.

“Saskatchewan produces a significant portion of the world’s food, and we need to understand how farmers are being affected by this crisis. Ideally, a huge number of farmers in Saskatchewan will take the survey every week. That’s how we can make sure the government understands what’s going on here.”

This week’s survey is open until April 1, with the following week’s survey opening April 2.