APAS is concerned about farmers taking the blame for the provincial deficit.

The province says the deficit of $2.7-billion was largely due to drought payments of $1.8-billion in crop insurance and $300-million in livestock support.

APAS vice president Ian Boxall says crop insurance had a surplus of $2.4-billion in 2020 and farmers should not be blamed for the deficit.

He wants the public to understand the money is not coming out of their pocket.

Finance Minister Donna Harpauer and Agriculture Minister David Marit have written a letter to APAS, saying the accusation of blaming farmers is wrong and offensive.

The letter outlines how government finances are reported, and is urging a retraction.

The letter points to a major government effort to support farmers through crop insurance and other programs.