The federal government has committed an additional $40 million to the Cover Crop Protection Program.

The now $90 million initiative, originally announced in May, was aimed at compensating farmers who were unable to plant crops due to excessive moisture in 2005 and 2006.

Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl notes payments of $15 per acre were available to all eligible producers, regardless of whether they had production insurance coverage.

Because insurance coverage was not a requirement the program was inundated with applications.
Strahl says the government had two options: make payments until the money ran out, or find additional funds to ensure all who qualified received a payment.


The Conservatives chose the latter.
Approximately 20,000 farmers will receive support from the program.