RECORD BUDGET AND COVERAGE FOR 2011 CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

OTTAWA – Following a year where crop insurance proved to be a true line of defense for clients who faced a barrage of challenges due to the weather, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have stepped forward to enhance the program.

With record provincial funding, record coverage levels, and enhancements to the Unseeded Acreage Benefit and forage insurance program, Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, said the improvements will help producers better protect themselves through crop insurance.

“The excess moisture in 2010 really drove home the need for crop insurance,” said Breitkreuz.  “I understand that not every producer has taken advantage of the program in the past, but I sincerely hope the enhancements announced by Minister Ritz and Minister Bjornerud will encourage more to enroll.”

For 2011, coverage levels will increase on average by $42 per acre to $173 per acre which is the highest average Crop Insurance coverage ever offered.  In addition, the Unseeded Acreage Benefit will increase from $50 to $70 per eligible acre. The seeding intensity calculation has also been revised to help producers facing excess moisture challenges.

For young producers beginning a new contract, it will now be easier to transfer yields and premium discounts earned by family members of the same farming operation. This will allow many young producers to have immediate access to improved coverage and reduced premiums based on their family farming history, as opposed to the previous method of using area averages.

The 2011 Crop Insurance Program also includes: increased establishment benefit values for large green lentils, canola and identity-preserved canola; an enhanced forage insurance program; and an expanded number of crops eligible for the Crop Averaging Program.

“Of all the government programs available to crop and forage producers, this is the most affordable, predictable and timely in terms of payouts,” said Breitkreuz.  “Industry partners including SARM, SaskCanola, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association have spoken out in support of crop insurance and these improvements.  It’s now up to producers to take advantage of this enhanced government program.”

The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to or cancel their crop insurance contract is March 31, 2011. Detailed program and contract information is also available at any Crop Insurance office, at www.saskcropinsurance.com or by calling 1-888-935-0000.