CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM ENHANCED IN 2009

Program Reviewed and Improved as Promised

Today Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced the details of the 2009 Crop Insurance Program.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation is implementing 12 of the 16 recommendations from the provincial government's recent program review, conducted by Meyers Norris Penny. Significant recommendations incorporated into the 2009 program include: yield trending, a yield cushioning pilot program, 100 per cent wildlife damage compensation and an in-season pricing option.

"The needs of Saskatchewan producers were the focus of the Crop Insurance Review," Bjornerud said. "We are implementing these program improvements based on the input of over 1,000 producers."

Despite grain prices declining from 2008 levels, this year coverage for producers on average is increasing and premiums are decreasing slightly.

"Current market conditions suggest coverage levels should be decreasing from last year," Bjornerud said. "However, these program improvements are actually allowing us to increase the coverage offered to producers."

The new program features will result in an additional financial commitment of $20 million by the provincial government this year. This is over and above the additional $42 million the government contributed to Crop Insurance in 2008. The 2009 Crop Insurance Program budget is $155 million. The provincial government's contribution to the program this year is the largest ever made by a Saskatchewan Government.

The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to, or cancel their 2009 Crop Insurance contract is March 31. Detailed program and contract information is also available at any customer service office at www.saskcropinsurance.com, or by calling 1-888-935-0000.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-527-0521
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca

Terri Kentel-Weinheimer
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7287
Email: terri.kentel-weinheimer@scic.gov.sk.ca