Agriculture minister David Marit has announced lower premiums and a slight drop in crop insurance coverage for 2020.

Marit says average premiums will decline 14 percent or one dollar 21 cents to 7 dollars 40 cents an acre.

Average coverage goes from 230 dollars an acre to 224 dollars, down 2.6 percent.

Marit says premiums remain low and average coverage is strong again this year to provide farmers with protection against adverse weather.

Marit says crop insurance will see several enhancements this year with soybean coverage expanded across the entire province, including irrigation areas.

The insured value for vegetable crops have been updated to better reflect production costs.

As well, organic crop insurance prices are higher and premium rates are lower.

Marit also says the province has about 1.3 million acres of crop left out over winter and compensation for producers is estimated to reach 350 million dollars in claims.

Crops left out over winter are covered under the wildlife damage compensation program for all farmers.

Farm groups welcome the crop insurance enhancements.

APAS spokesman Steven Donald says he is pleased with the drop in premiums.

He says APAS has been pushing for improved farm business risk programs.

SARM director Norm Nordgulen says the coverage of 224 dollars remains very reasonable and farmers will welcome the drop in premiums.

Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association chairman Aaron Gray also welcomes the addition of soybeans coverage to irrigation districts.