Irrigation
Saskatchewan announces increases in crop insurance and research funding

Mar. 21, 2013, Regina, SK - Record crop insurance funding and increased funding for strategic investments highlight the Saskatchewan Agriculture budget of $406.9 million in 2013-14.

Crop insurance coverage levels will increase to a record $194 per acre on average in 2013, more than double the coverage offered in 2007. This year's $198.3 million crop insurance budget is the largest in the history of the program and a 91 per cent increase since 2007.

The budget also includes an increased commitment to research and innovation, with a record $27.7 million agriculture research budget, a 104 per cent increase since 2007. This includes a $3.0 million investment in the Global Institute for Food Security.

In 2013-14, the Ministry of Agriculture will provide $71.2 million for strategic initiatives through the federal-provincial Growing Forward 2 framework, an increase of $25 million over the previous framework. In addition to research, funding will be targeted to areas such as rural water infrastructure, trade and market development, and farm business management. Further details of Growing Forward 2 programming will be announced in April.

The 2013-14 Agriculture budget also includes $1.0 million for irrigation bridge rehabilitation to support the long-term growth of irrigation in the province. In addition, the provincial government will continue to provide industry assistance grants and funding to control pests such as beavers, rats and gophers.

March 21, 2013  By Gov't of Saskatchewan