APAS to conduct research on farmers’ share of rising food prices | The Canadian News

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) hopes to learn more about the farmers’ share of food dollars.

The association made a decision at its annual general meeting on Tuesday that it will team up with other farming organizations to do research on the percentage of food prices that go to primary production.

The resolution also states that APAS will work with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture on this front.

Ian Boxall, who was recently named the latest president of APAS, said the organization wants to raise awareness when it comes to raising food costs attributed to high commodity prices.

He added that members want the organization to look at the correlation between what the consumer pays for food at the grocery store and what the producer in turn receives.

“There are some vague lines out there where when people see the prices of food go up, they immediately assume that the extra cost they pay at the grocery store goes back to the producer, and that’s not really the case,” Boxall said. said.

“For example, with the cost of a loaf of bread, what does a farmer get for their portion of wheat in that loaf? Maybe it’s canola oil and the correlation of the cost at the grocery store and what the producer gets. ”

Boxall went on to say they want to show the producer the supply chain to the grocery store and what those costs are along the way.

He believes bringing the information back, looking at it and putting it out for people to see will give residents an understanding of the flow from the farm to the grocery store and where money is spent along the way.

“Consumers need to understand that what they pay on the shelf is not a direct correlation with what producers are paid.”

Boxall said they will compile the information and roll it out in a document to share with the public once the process is complete.

1:46FCC report shows Saskatchewan farmland increases in value