June 11, 2025 (Saskatoon, SK) – Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) is reducing the levy rate collected on pulse and soybean crops in Saskatchewan from 0.67% to 0.60% effective August 1, 2025.
The decision to reduce the levy rate, made by SPG with approval from Agri-Food Council, was driven by continued strong acres and prices in the pulse industry sustained over recent years. “SPG acknowledges stable pulse acres and consistently strong pulse prices, which has led to SPG revenues exceeding expenses over the last number of years.” says Winston van Staveren, SPG Chair. “SPG is in a strong financial position and the Board is taking the responsible decision to reduce the levy rate and keep more money in the pockets of growers”.
The pulse levy is collected based on a percentage of gross sales, and is deducted at the first point of sale. SPG’s levy revenue has increased with higher production and market prices for pulses adding to a surplus of unrestricted net assets that has been higher than targeted for multiple years. This change will slow revenues by an estimated $1.5 million per year, better matching future revenues with targeted expenditure levels, and gradually drawing down unrestricted surplus through responsible, high priority investments that benefit growers.
“SPG is financially secure, holding a fully-funded revenue variability reserve designed to sustain the organization through potential periods of downturns in revenue,” says Carl Potts, Executive Director. “We will continue to make strategically important investments in programs to support farmers and increase their profitability”.
SPG is working with pulse buyers who collect levy on SPG’s behalf to ensure their systems are set to switch to 0.60% from 0.67% effective August 1, 2025. This date was chosen to align with the beginning of the new crop year.
If growers are deducted levy at 0.67% for pulse crops sold on or after the August 1 deadline, they should contact SPG at 306-668-0350 or levy@saskpulse.com and SPG will work to refund any overpayments.
SPG will continue to invest levy funds into high value research, variety commercialization, and market development to benefit pulse growers. “SPG believes that we have the ability to continue to deliver high value for growers while simultaneously reducing levy for growers,” explains van Staveren. SPG will continue to provide significant funding for research that aims to improve agronomic issues pulses face, including establishing additional breeding collaborations, as well as supporting market development and diversification efforts to expand the use and consumption of pulses and pulse ingredients globally.
Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Carlson
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-0116
Email: acarlson@saskpulse.com
Amber Johnson
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-3668
Email: ajohnson@saskpulse.com