Evans said the changes were made with the blessing of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association. He said his meetings with growers often included complaints about the complexity of the crop insurance program. The minister said more changes to crop insurance would also be forthcoming for the 2000 crop. They are saying to members, and non-members, that the coverage is good and affordable. According to Evans, the basic package will guarantee 40 per cent of the farmers returns, as well as protection for tree survival, and hail and rain coverage.
Farmers can also buy coverage for winter kill of fruit trees.
But the changing varieties and change in the maturity date has greatly helped people protect their income and control their risk. However, Evans said there is no increased funding for crop insurance from either the provincial or federal government. Crop Insurance Program manager Gary Falk said most farmers should now be able to figure out the new forms without the aid of their accountant. A loss of funds often starts the slippery slope to poverty. But no one wants these types of guarantees.