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By Pattison Media

Saskatchewan government to increase ag spending

Mar 19, 2026 | 11:45 AM

The Saskatchewan Budget was introduced yesterday, and there will be an increase in agriculture spending. 

The investment in the agriculture minisitry for 2026-27 is a $660.8 million, which is a jump of $37.4 million over last year. 

This included $89.4 million to support programs in the agri-food sector, and another $524.3 million will fund several business risk management programs such as Crop Insurance and AgriStability. 

There is an additional $37 million earmarked for research and the development of new technologies. There will be $200,000 set aside for the expansion of rural mental health services.   

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) President Bill Prybylski said the overall budget increase was a nice surprise given past events.   

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“Most producers were half expecting to see cuts in the ag budget, particularly in light of cuts in the federal ag budget, so to see the budget increase by $37 million, that certainly was encouraging,” Prybylski said. “I think it speaks to the importance of agriculture to the economy of the province.”  

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is welcoming key elements of the provincial budget and is calling for continued, long‑term support for the services and infrastructure. 

SARM President Bill Huber said the budget will be judged by how well it supports four core pillars of rural Saskatchewan—agriculture, infrastructure, health care, and policing—along with a fair and predictable municipal revenue sharing framework that allows rural municipalities to plan and invest with confidence. 

“A strong Saskatchewan depends on strong rural communities, and this budget is an important signal of how government intends to support the people who grow our food, power our economy, and maintain the critical infrastructure that ties this province together,” Huber said. “Rural municipalities need predictable revenue, reliable roads and bridges, access to timely health care, and effective policing. When those pieces are in place, our people, producers, and businesses can do what they do best—drive growth for the entire province.” 

In 2026–27, rural municipalities will receive a total of $111,847,000 through municipal revenue sharing. Huber said SARM was pleased that the revenue sharing model continues to be transparent, formula‑based, and predictable, enabling RMs to plan multi‑year investments in infrastructure and services without facing unexpected shortfalls. 

“Rural councils are being asked to do more every year, whether it’s maintaining infrastructure or supporting local services,” Huber added. “A fair, predictable revenue sharing framework, paired with strong commitments on agriculture, infrastructure, health care, and policing, gives our members the stability they need to serve residents and businesses effectively.” 

One specific area SARM applauded was the farm stress line receiving $200,000 and expanded mental health services that will be available to Saskatchewan agriculture workers and their families.  

Huber said SARM will be reviewing the details of the provincial budget and engaging with members to assess its impact on rural Saskatchewan. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com