Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman has announced details of the 2007 Crop Insurance program, which will see a significant increase in coverage for Saskatchewan producers.

“The 2007 Crop Insurance program has been improved and enhanced in many ways, including the introduction of a Variable Price Option, refinements to the Unseeded Acreage feature, and the introduction of a Wild Rice Insurance Pilot Program,” Wartman said. “With this year’s program, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance continues its commitment to developing and delivering insurance products and services that meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s diverse agriculture industry.”

The 2007 program includes a new Variable Price Option designed to provide customers with an opportunity to receive coverage levels that reflect changing market prices.

Other changes include refinements to the Unseeded Acreage feature that protects producers in instances where excessive spring moisture prevents seeding, and the introduction of a Wild Rice Insurance Pilot Program, developed to support the expanding number of wild rice producers in northern Sask-atchewan.

The 2007 Crop Insurance program has also added coverage for identity-preserved canola, expanded the Crop Averaging Pilot Program to the entire province, and expanded the establishment benefit to cover gopher damage.

For the second year in a row, program debt has been reduced, improving from a deficit of $627 million in 2004 to $340 million going into 2007.

The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to, or cancel their 2007 Crop Insurance contract is March 31. The 2007 endorsement packages containing complete program details will be mailed to Crop Insurance customers soon.