The insurance program run by Saskatchewan Agriculture will be expanded to cover more crops like soybeans, navy beans, camelina and honey.

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said, "These new crops have been added to the program at the request of the industry through extensive consultations".

About 15,000 acres of soybeans, 2,000 acres of navy beans and 25,000 acres of the oilseed crop camelina were planted by Saskatchewan farmers last year. Their beekeeping industry produced honey which was 30% of the honey produced in Canada.

Farmers, who wish to renew their 2010 Crop Insurance Coverage, may face some changes. They will witness a 16% drop in premiums, with average coverage of $122 for every acre. As a matter of fact it is the third-highest coverage level in the history of crop insurance.

Bjornerud said, "Our bee industry is growing in Saskatchewan. Honey producers are playing a big part in our economy and I think they also need that same coverage for the risk that they're taking out there that every other part of the agriculture industry has".