February 26, 2015 – Melville, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced details of the 2015 Crop Insurance Program, which includes ongoing enhancements giving producers more choice and flexibility to build an insurance package suited to the needs of their operation.
The Crop Insurance budget for 2015 is $154 million. On average coverage levels are increasing to $183 per acre, up from $162 per acre in 2014. Premiums are going down to an average of $7.06 per acre from $7.47 in 2014. The improved coverage is a result of better forecasted crop prices and increased long-term yields. The lower premium is a result of lower rates to provide insurance coverage to producers.
The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to or cancel a Crop Insurance contract is March 31, 2015. Producers who prefer to do their business online are encouraged to use CropConnect where they can review their coverage selections and use the online tools to see what coverage best fits the needs of the operation. Detailed program and contract information is also available at any local Crop Insurance office, at www.saskcropinsurance.com or by calling 1-888-935-0000.
Under Crop Insurance, premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Government of Saskatchewan. Administrative expenses are fully-funded by governments, 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Saskatchewan.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Rae Groeneveld
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
306-728-7595
rae.groeneveld@scic.gov.sk.ca
