Released on June 2, 2011
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance customers will now be compensated for crop land they are unable to seed because of impassable roads caused by excess moisture. Compensation will be provided through Crop Insurance's Unseeded Acreage Benefit.
"Again this spring, many prairie farmers face the prospect of not being able to get seed in the ground because of the extreme wet conditions," Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said. "I am pleased to work with the Province of Saskatchewan to develop flexible programming which will allow both governments to respond effectively in situations such as this."
"Excess moisture has had a devastating impact on farm land and roads this spring," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "This is a practical, common sense change to Crop Insurance which I hope will help producers who are unable to access their fields because their roads have been washed out."
In 2011, the Unseeded Acreage Benefit has been increased from $50 to $70 per eligible acre for land that is too wet to seed or is inaccessible due to excess moisture. Eligible acres are determined by a calculation involving a seeding intensity, insurance intensity and a five per cent deductible.
"We appreciate this program change because RM councils are doing everything they can to make all their roads passable, but we know with a spring like this some roads will be impossible to repair in time for seeding," SARM President David Marit said.
Producers who cannot access their land due to excess moisture should contact their local Crop Insurance office.
The deadline for customers to register an Unseeded Acreage claim is June 25, 2011. Detailed program information is available at any Crop Insurance office, by calling 1-888-935-0000, or by visiting www.saskcropinsurance.com.
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For more information, contact:
Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca
Daniel Jungwirth
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7427
Email: daniel.jungwirth@scic.gov.sk.ca