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.
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.
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.
In Ontario, the tender fruit sector generates $47 million in farm gate sales annually.
Almost 60 per cent of tender fruit production is currently covered by production insurance.
Production insurance is currently available for almost 90 commercially grown crops in Ontario, including grains, oilseeds and certain fruits and vegetables.
“This is a welcome move for Ontario tender fruit growers and we appreciate the government’s efforts. An expanded Production Insurance program supports tender fruit growers, providing them with a modern and affordable risk management tool that meets their needs. The viability of Ontario’s horticulture sector, along with the food security for its consumers, is greatly enhanced by having predictable, bankable and timely business risk management tools,” said Jason Verkaik Chair, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.
For more information, please visit news.ontario.ca.