CROP INSURANCE DEADLINE APPROACHING

Saskatchewan producers have until Wednesday, April 30th to make their multi-peril and forage insurance decisions for the 2003 crop year.

"Crop Insurance has proven its value as a risk management tool, paying out $1.4 billion over the past two years," Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said. "Going into the 2003 crop year, Saskatchewan farmers are much more optimistic. Still, when making their cropping plans, I would encourage producers to consider how Crop Insurance can protect their investment."

Crop Insurance continues to evolve, responding to new opportunities and insurance needs of Saskatchewan producers. A new option available for 2003 is the Annual Crop Weather Based Insurance Program, protecting annual crops against below average precipitation and early fall frost. This can be purchased as a $10 per acre top-up to existing coverage or as $70 per acre stand-alone protection.

The deadline to enroll for the Annual Crop Weather Based Insurance Program is also April 30th. As a pilot project, this program is available on a first come, first served basis only.

For complete details on this and other program enhancements made for 2003, producers are encouraged to contact their local customer service office or go online at www.saskcropinsurance.com.

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For More Information, Contact:

Karen Hill Crop Insurance Corporation Melville Phone: (306)728-7427 Email: karen.hill@scic.gov.sk.ca