Crop Insurance is also making it easier for producers to conduct business online by launching a new online system called CropConnect. CropConnect provides Crop Insurance customers the flexibility of completing their business online, from a home computer or mobile device. This includes adding land to a contract, filling out forms, calculating their premium and coverage levels, reporting production data and filing claims.
Crop Insurance coverage for 2014 is $162 per acre, on average, the fourth highest coverage in program history. Crop Insurance premiums for 2014 average $7.47 per acre, a 25 per cent reduction from 2013. The lower coverage and premium is largely the result of lower forecasted crop prices in 2014-15.
“We are pleased with the enhancements announced today for the 2014 Crop Insurance program,” SARM President David Marit said. “Expanding the yield trending and contract price option features to new crops will help producers better manage their risk.”
“We have worked with Crop Insurance to develop the pilot bee mortality insurance program and welcome today’s announcement,” Saskatchewan Beekeepers’ Association President Jake Berg said.
“Saskatchewan Pulse Growers appreciates the addition of field peas to the contract price option,” Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Morgan Nunweiler said. "This option will help to ensure prices used by Crop Insurance are reflective of prices in growers' individual situations."
The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to or cancel a Crop Insurance contract is March 31, 2014. 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.
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For more information, contact:
Rae Groeneveld
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7595
Email:
rae.groeneveld@scic.gov.sk.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972