News
Alternatives to crop insurance for Ontario greenhouse producers

Last week, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced enhanced AgriInsurance coverage for the 2020 growing season, including labour shortages due to COVID-19. However, as Ontario greenhouse producers do not have crop insurance, other business risk management programs could serve as alternative options.

“While greenhouse vegetables and flowers are not covered by Production Insurance, there is coverage under other programs Agricorp delivers on behalf of the government,” says a spokesperson for program administrator AgriCorp.

Two such programs include AgriStability and self-directed risk management (SDRM).

“AgriStability offers whole farm coverage designed to cover large declines in net income in times of disaster, which includes an option for interim payments. To help farmers with current challenges, interim payments of 75 per cent are now available for AgriStability and the AgriStability enrolment deadline was extended to July 3 (it’s normally April 30).”

SDRM for edible horticulture is also available for greenhouse vegetables growers. “Growers deposit funds into SDRM accounts and the deposit is matched by the Ontario government to help mitigate risk associated with farm business. Agricorp will be sending 2020 SDRM deposit and withdrawal packages to eligible growers this fall.”