The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) says it is very pleased that Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation has made a number of improvements to their program for the upcoming year.
Some of the changes announced on February 10, 2014, will enhance coverage for other agricultural sectors, including expanded coverage for vegetable crops and a new pilot program for bee mortality insurance. "We were particularly pleased to hear that beekeepers can now access insurance through the 2014 program," says Norm Hall, President of APAS. "This is an industry which has faced some significant challenges in recent years so it is positive to see governments responding accordingly." The Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association is an associate member of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.
The 2014 program overall reflects declining grain prices, which means lower premiums for government and industry says Hall.
"APAS urges the Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure that any savings be maintained within the agricultural sector."
"For example, APAS would like to see some of the savings be redirected into a disaster relief program to support producers who have land permanently covered by water as a result of recent years of excess moisture.
The total acres eligible for crop insurance on many farms has been reduced, adds Hall. "So in effect, some producers are facing a disaster every spring without any direct government support.
"Crop insurance will continue to be an important risk mitigation tool for agricultural producers, contributing to the competitiveness and profitability of our industry. APAS commends the governments for taking steps to enhance the crop insurance program - making it more responsive to agronomic advances and more accessible to other sectors in Saskatchewan agriculture."
APAS reminds all producers that the deadline to apply for, change, or cancel a Crop Insurance contract is March 31, 2014.
