New Insurance Program for Maple Producers

Maple producers in the province will be better able to manage risks with maple syrup production as Nova Scotia becomes the second province to offer an insurance program.

"With sales of about $1 million each year, Nova Scotia maple producers are creating jobs and growing the economy," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "We are showing genuine leadership by working with the maple industry to provide an insurance program that reflects the needs of the sector."

The maple insurance plan, developed in consultation with industry, helps producers manage risks such as disease, weather, and wildlife.

"Extending insurance coverage to include maple production is a 'sweet' boost to Nova Scotia maple producers having to deal with problems like ice storms, drought, insects or fire," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This cost-shared program will add to the suite of stable, bankable and predictable tools to help manage the risks of farming."

The plan falls under AgriInsurance, a business risk-management program supported through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial agriculture initiative. AgriInsurance provides protection to 35 commercially grown crops in Nova Scotia.

Maple syrup producers in the province will be eligible for coverage beginning with the 2010-11 production season.

"Maple producers have had to deal with significant weather events and other conditions in recent years that have impacted their operations and production levels," said Murray Johnson, president, Maple Producers Association of Nova Scotia. "We are pleased to have an insurance program for our producers which will help us manage some of the risks we face as an industry."

The Nova Scotia maple industry includes 36,000 acres of maple trees and 300,000 taps. About 70 commercial maple producers make more than 100,000 litres of maple syrup each year.

The Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission manages crop and livestock insurance programs in Nova Scotia.