Saskatchewan forage seed producers can look forward to accessing new technologies and products from a new producer-directed Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, according to Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council Assistant Secretary Ryan Boughen.

“Producers felt there was a need to improve agronomic practices in growing forage seed crops. They felt that increased support for research is necessary to lead to improved quality and higher yields,” Boughen says.

“The Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) came forward with a proposal for a check-off in order to fund research and development on forage seed crops. This proposal has since been approved by the Saskatchewan government.”

The SFC consulted forage seed producers in the province and found that there was support for the check-off. It is hoped that future research and development will increase profitability for producers and for the industry as a whole.

“It was seen as having the potential to lead to the introduction of new varieties and market opportunities,” adds Boughen.

The commission will be financed through a refundable check-off following the success of models established for alfalfa seed, flax, canola and mustard. 

The check-off is initially set at 0.75 per cent of gross value at the first point of sale.  A check-off is a mandatory deduction from the price received at the point of sale, but producers may request a refund twice per year.

“We are pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan has approved our request for a producer-operated research and development commission,” Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission Board of Directors Interim Chair Kirk Riglin said. 

“I would like to thank the Saskatchewan Forage Council and the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development in Saskatchewan (CARDS) Committee for the support they provided in the establishment of the commission,” said Riglin. 

“We have followed similar leads for forage seed production in Manitoba and the Peace River region, and hope to achieve similar successes as those enjoyed by the alfalfa and canola industries here in Saskatchewan.”

The Saskatchewan forage seed industry consists of approximately 600 growers with an estimated acreage of 80,000 to 140,000 acres per year. 

The check-off will be applied to all forage seed sales, excluding alfalfa, and is expected to generate estimated revenue of $35,000 to $47,000 per year for research and extension.

The commission began collecting the check-off on July 1, 2005.  Producers and buyers can expect to receive information from the commission in the near future.