"Farmers and their provincial politicians need to stand together if we are going to get what we need out of Ottawa," says NFU executive member Stewart Wells.

Wells was responding to Saskatchewan Party Leader Elwin Hermanson's demand for an instant payout of surplus provincial liquor and gaming revenue to Saskatchewan farmers.

"By publicly splitting the ranks of the coalition we have all worked to build in this province's farm and political community, Mr.Hermanson is in danger of undoing all the progress we have made in Ottawa. Only a few days ago, the federal agriculture committee chair, John Harvard, was urging the Prime Minister to provide real help to prarie farmers. That breakthrough with Mr.Harvard is something the NFU has been working on since last winter and our united provincial front made it possible. Now Mr.Hermanson threatens to throw away that advantage over an amount which is trivial compared to what we should be getting from Ottawa. This is thee wrong time to change strategies."

"Problems in prarie agriculture originate in Ottawa, and Ottawa has billions of dollars available that could be used to meet shortfalls that were in large part caused by changes in federal policy. We must not shift our focus away from our real problems or the best source of support. I hope Mr. Hermanson remembers this and restores the unity that we have all worked to create."

For more information:

• Stewart Wells (306) 773-6852 or (306) 741-7694
  
• Shannon Storey (306) 477-8803(h) or (306) 652-9465 (NFU office)