AGRISTABILITY ADMINISTRATION GETS A NEW HOME IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) officially launched the expansion of its head office today in order to administer AgriStability. Local administration of AgriStability will provide better service to farmers and ranchers as well as create new jobs in Saskatchewan. SCIC will begin processing the final benefits for the 2009 AgriStability program beginning January 1, 2010.

"Bringing AgriStability home highlights our government's commitment to ensure the best possible service to Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Administering AgriStability at this expanded Crop Insurance office will help us deliver a more timely and reliable program for producers."

"By locating delivery of farm programs closer to the farm gate we are improving service, streamlining delivery and tailoring the administration to the needs of Saskatchewan's farmers," said MP Garry Breitkreuz (Yorkton-Melville) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "The Government of Canada is fulfilling another promise of Canada's Economic Action Plan by transferring administration of AgriStability to any interested province."

Construction on the expansion project is set to begin in February 2010. The building design will focus on creating program efficiencies for both the Crop Insurance and AgriStability programs. SCIC will begin to occupy the two-storey addition in 2011.

Temporary offices have been set up at two locations in Melville to accommodate staff during the expansion. SCIC head office will remain open during construction.

Federal and provincial governments are working together to ensure a smooth transition of the AgriStability program to Saskatchewan.

Producers with questions or inquiries can contact the SCIC AgriStability call centre toll-free at 1-866-270-8450.

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For more information, contact:

Denise Yont
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7434

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina, Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca

Meagan Murdoch
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-1059

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972