Alberta producers are being told to brace for an increase in crop insurance premiums for the 2026 growing season, driven largely by the financial impact of recent dry years across the province.
In a release Tuesday, Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) said higher premiums reflect ongoing loss experienced from previous drought-affected seasons. In some cases, program enhancements that provide additional coverage are also contributing to higher costs.
AFSC says efforts continue to focus on keeping insurance affordable while ensuring coverage accurately reflects crop values and participation levels remain stable.
The actual premiums paid by individual producers will vary, depending on factors such as loss history, selected coverage levels, individual experience ratings, and prevailing market prices, the release said.
AFSC is encouraging clients to speak directly with their insurance relationship managers ahead of the 2026 season to review coverage choices and assess ways to manage premium increases while maintaining adequate risk protection.
Meanwhile, AFSC is also rolling out several program adjustments for the upcoming year. These include moving the application deadline for Bee Overwintering Insurance, updating weather station moisture normals to better align with sustainable production practices, and harmonizing irrigated and dryland hay coverage. Bear damage to beehives will also transition from a pilot project into a permanent insurance offering.
Additionally, changes are on the way that will increase AgriStability’s responsiveness for livestock producers. Pasture rental costs will now be included as allowable expenses in both current and historical margins, better reflecting real feeding costs. As well, the valuation of on-farm feed inventories is being adjusted so rising feed prices no longer offset declining inventories — a move aimed at improving program responsiveness during drought years.
