Two program changes will be introduced this spring to contribute to provincial budget savings. The Spring Price Endorsement will be discontinued, and will not be offered for the 2021 crop year; and the 20 per cent top up payment for the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program will be eliminated.

First, the Spring Price Endorsement will not be available, beginning this spring, 2021. Any outstanding claims from the 2020 crop year will be processed as normal.

Spring Price Endorsement was traditionally offered as an endorsement on a crop specific basis to provide protection for in year price declines of more than 10 per cent between the spring insurance price and the fall market price.

This endorsement is not included under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership framework and as such is not cost-shared with the federal government. Premiums for this Alberta-only enhancement have been cost-shared by the province and clients, with the province covering 50 per cent of premium cost and the client paying the remaining 50 per cent.

Historically, the program has had a low rate of participation, and recent enhancements to the program did not result in increased participation. In the past four years, only nine per cent of insured clients used this option.

For clients looking for alternatives to Spring Price Endorsement, private sector options are available, and AFSC staff are available to provide information as requested. AFSC clients will receive renewal packages toward the end of March; AFSC will let clients know in this package that SPE has been discontinued. Clients are encouraged to discuss questions with their Insurance Relationship Manager and to check the AFSC website for additional information.

Second, the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program 20 per cent top up payment will be eliminated this year. AFSC will continue to administer the program for Alberta producers, which compensates agricultural producers for wildlife damage.

The federal and provincial government share costs for this program, up to 80 per cent. In the past, the Alberta government has provided an additional 20 per cent ‘top up’ to producers who experience wildlife damage and apply for this program. Producers pay no premium or administration costs for the program except a $25 appraisal fee.

The process to determine wildlife damage remains the same; however, AFSC will now only pay 80 per cent of the dollar coverage. For example, if a producer received $250 in wildlife damage compensation last year, this year they will receive $200. Applications will still be accepted online through AFSC Connect.

If you have any questions, please contact the Client Contact Centre at 1.877.899.2372 or email info@afsc.ca.