Features Fruit Production
Ontario offering production insurance to tender fruit growers

September 15, 2016, Guelph, Ont – Ontario is offering production insurance to tender fruit growers who lose their trees so they can feel confident in growing their businesses while managing risks inherent to farming. Tender fruit trees now eligible for coverage include pear, plum, sweet and sour cherry, peach and nectarine.

“This is a welcome move for Ontario tender fruit growers and we appreciate the government’s efforts,” said Jason Verkaik, chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association. “An expanded Production Insurance program supports tender fruit growers, providing them with a modern and affordable risk management tool that meets their needs.”

Tender fruit producers who buy production insurance can now claim compensation for the removal and replacement costs of trees that die as a result of specific risks covered by the plan. There is no additional cost for this new coverage. This will help Ontario tender fruit producers compete with producers in other Canadian provinces who already have access to tree loss coverage.

“Crop insurance is a crucial risk management tool for our growers,” said Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. “We have been working with our government partners over the past few years to analyze coverage and implement changes that make crop insurance plans more effective. This tree mortality program supports our producers and helps create a business environment that encourages sector growth.”

Production insurance is part of a suite of business risk management programs designed to help farmers manage losses due to unforeseen events beyond their control such as weather, pests and disease. Production insurance plans also encourage greater innovation, profitability and job creation in the agri-food sector.

Apple and grape growers currently have the basic level of tender fruit coverage. New this year, all growers of grape and tree fruit growers – including tender fruit – will have the option to buy extended coverage for their trees and vines.