Saskatchewan pork producers get cash advance to help with tough financial times

REGINA -- Struggling pork producers in Saskatchewan are getting a cash advance to help them through tough times.

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud says producers can now access a targeted advance program and get up to 75 percent of their estimated 2009 AgriStabilty payment.

Bjornerud says he hoped the pork industry would be on the road to recovery by now, but the financial situation hasn't improved from last year.

The pork industry has been hit hard by oversupply, the swine flu outbreak and the strong Canadian dollar.

SaskPork president Joe Kleinsasser says producers have had significant financial losses over the last three years, and the targeted advance will be a "lifeline" for their survival.

Eligible Saskatchewan pork producers will receive a letter with information on the amount of their targeted advance payments and how to apply.