Driven by the momentum of the 2008 Crop Insurance Review, the Saskatchewan government continues to look at its agriculture programs and services and improvements that can be implemented for producers.
SCIC continues to focus on progress and its producers as it expands its programs to meet the changing needs of the Saskatchewan farmer.
Evaluation of new crop varieties: The Crop Insurance Review noted that SCIC is effective at introducing coverage for new crops. The Corporation has developed a healthy relationship with industry groups, with whom they will continue to work on establishing coverage for new crops. In 2010, coverage for camelina, soybeans, dryland navy beans and honey will be added to the Crop Insurance Program.
Improved pricing options: The contract price option provides an insured price based on a producer’s contract price and Crop Insurance’s base price. SCIC has expanded the list of crops eligible under this option to include commercial flax, lentils (all classes) and alfalfa seed.
Yield cushioning: Introduced in 2009 as a pilot project, yield cushioning will become a regular feature of the Crop Insurance program. Cushioning limits the impact on an individual’s coverage in poor, consecutive crop years.
Decreased premium for irrigators: Reduced premium will continue for producers enrolled in the Enhanced Irrigation Pilot Program. The pilot offers separate coverage for irrigated and dryland acres of the same crop. The arrangement now has producers paying 40 per cent of the premiums, as opposed to 66.7 per cent previously.
Expansion of winterkill coverage: Winterkill coverage for winter wheat is now available in all risk zones regardless of the stubble type into which the crop was seeded. The stubble type determines if the acres are charged a low or high-risk premium rate. Coverage was already available in all risk zones for fall rye.
