APAS Says It’s Not Fair To Blame Producers For A Provincial Deficit

Dec 01, 2021

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is raising concern over the Province's claim that Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation payments caused the provincial deficit in 2021.

According to APAS Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation reported a $2.4 billion surplus for 2020 which was accumulated over previous years, as well as a sizable surplus in the reinsurance fund.

APAS Vice President Ian Boxall says it’s not fair to blame producers for a provincial deficit in a drought year when that surplus gets used up.

Boxall says over the last several years, claims have been lower than premiums, which is why a surplus was built up over time.

He notes if the Crop Insurance surplus had been invested in a dedicated fund, like the SGI Auto Fund, then that money would have been readily available for paying Crop Insurance claims.

Federal and provincial governments are also protected by reinsurance policies that insulate them from the risk of high claim years.

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Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.