CONTINUED ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2010 CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced details of the 2010 Crop Insurance Program, which includes reduced producer premiums and additional crops eligible for coverage.

"Our government has worked extensively with producers and industry groups to improve Crop Insurance," Bjornerud said. "The new features introduced today build on the last year's enhanced program and will help to address the needs of our producers as agriculture in Saskatchewan continues to evolve."

New Program features in 2010 include coverage for camelina, soybeans, navy beans and honey. In addition, the Contract Price Option has been expanded to include flax, lentils and alfalfa seed.

All of the new initiatives introduced in 2009 as a result of the Crop Insurance Review will also continue.

Yield cushioning will now be a permanent feature of Crop Insurance, after being a pilot program in 2009. This feature limits the impact of consecutive poor growing seasons, such as a prolonged drought, on a producer's level of coverage.

"Crop insurance is an important tool Saskatchewan farmers can use to protect their bottom line," Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said. "We're proud to partner with the Province of Saskatchewan to fund crop insurance and make sure it works for producers on the ground."

Producer premiums are decreasing by 16 per cent, on average, because of above average crops over the past several years and lower crop prices this year. Due to these lower crop prices, coverage is decreasing by 10 per cent, on average, in 2010. However, this is still the third highest coverage level per acre ever offered by Crop Insurance.

"The addition of soybeans and navy beans to the program, as well as lentils to the Contract Price Option, will help our industry continue to grow in this province," Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Murray Purcell said. "We commend Crop Insurance for working with us and recognizing the value of these program improvements for pulse producers."

"SARM is pleased to see Crop Insurance build on the program improvements made in 2009, which have worked well for producers," SARM President David Marit said. "The implementation of yield cushioning as a permanent feature and the addition of new crops to the program will help producers manage their risk, diversify and compete in the global marketplace."

"We appreciate the inclusion of honey in the Crop Insurance Program," Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association President Calvin Parsons said. "This coverage, coupled with the previously announced compensation for bear damage, will help beekeepers manage their risks and attract young people to this important industry."

The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to, or cancel their 2010 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.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Daniel Jungwirth
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7427
Email: daniel.jungwirth@scic.gov.sk.ca