Ag. Minister sweetens the pot for Sask. beekeepers
Saskatchewan’s honey industry is buzzing over changes made to the province’s crop insurance program.
Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the new coverage for beekeepers yesterday. Coverage for over-winter losses will now be offered, and deductibles will be based on a long-term industry averages. Jake Berg, vice-president of the Saskatchewan Beekeeper’s Development Commission, said he was happy to hear the announcement Tuesday.
“The changes are very welcome,” Berg said. “These changes are kind of something we’ve been working with [the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation] on for the last year.”
Faced with the challenge of wintering their bees, Saskatchewan’s beekeepers have their bees inspected at the end their season. If a hive is found to have a good chance of survival, a producer can now purchase mortality insurance to cover them against any unforeseen disasters that may happen before spring. Berg, who is also a commercial beekeeper in the Melfort area, said the changes will make the industry more fair.