The Government of Québec and the Government of Canada are announcing major changes to the Crop Insurance Program (ASREC) to better meet the changing needs of agricultural businesses, particularly in the context of climate change.
André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region, was joined at the announcement by Audrey Bogemans, MNA for Iberville, Ernest Desrosiers, President and CEO of La Financière agricole du Québec (FADQ); Martin Caron, Executive President of the Union des producteurs agricoles du Québec; and Catherine Lefebvre, President of the Association des producteurs maraîchers du Québec.
A successful consultation
In 2023, Minister Lamontagne committed to reforming the ASREC in response to climate-related hazards faced by agricultural businesses. After working in collaboration with all implicated sectors, the Quebec government is proud to unveil the main changes which will make it possible to offer expanded, improved and simplified insurance coverage for the benefit of those who feed us.
The changes are designed to:
- better protect businesses from climate-related hazards by adding disaster clauses. In particular, the share of premiums associated with disasters will be borne entirely by governments, as provided for under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership;
- simplify the program for clients and reduce payment times;
- introduce a rebate for businesses that adopt good agri-environmental practices;
- expand coverage to reflect and encourage crop diversification;
- facilitate access to the program for smaller businesses.
Implementation of this program reform will begin this year and continue gradually until 2027. This major project is part of FADQ's digital transformation, which will see the introduction of a simplified offer, and quick and easy access to online services. It will also offer personalized advice to guide clients towards products and services tailored to their needs.
A disaster clause as of 2025
In a context of climate change, protection against catastrophic losses is important for our producers. As of 2025, the governments will cover 100% of the losses due to natural disasters in the vegetable‑producing sector. Previously, these weather events had the effect of increasing the bill for insured businesses. Following various studies, expansion to other sectors is scheduled for 2026.
New protection will also be offered from 2025 to cover losses of fruit and vegetables in storage. This will make it possible to compensate companies which suffer losses linked to production damage which appears after the harvest.
