Regulations Provide Better Insurance Coverage for Farmers

Nova Scotia farmers will have access to better insurance coverage for forage under new crop insurance regulations announced today, July 25, by Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor.

"The primary concerns for forage growers are drought and poor product quality because of too much rain during the critical harvest period in June," said Mr. Taylor. "The new weather plan provides more flexibility for farmers."

Although crop insurance has been offered in Nova Scotia since 1969, the insurance plan for forage production did not serve the needs of farmers. The new weather plan compensates farmers for poor product quality because of excessive or insufficient rainfall.

"The new plan provides superior insurance coverage for farmers and will be more cost effective to administer," said Mr. Taylor. "We will continue to support Nova Scotia farmers by ensuring they have access to income stabilization programs."

Other regulatory changes give the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission the ability to extend seeding deadlines and react more quickly to changes in the market. The new regulations come into effect immediately. For information on the programs available see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/ci/ .