Protecting Orchardists and Nursery Growers

Full Title:
Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act

Summary#

This bill changes the Tree Assistance Program in the Agricultural Act of 2014. It adds biennial trees and pest damage to the program's definitions. It lets the program provide payments even when a grower has no recent production history and when trees no longer produce an economically viable crop. The Secretary of Agriculture can modify or waive acreage limits. The bill requires applicants to start replanting work within 2 years of approval, or later if needed to protect tree survival. It allows growers to replant with a different tree variety, a different stand density, or in a different location. However, cost-share payments for those alternatives cannot be larger than the payment that would be made for replanting the original variety, density, or location. The bill also requires the Secretary to approve or deny applications and notify applicants within 120 days.

What it means for you#

  • Eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may get help for losses from pests and for losses to biennial trees.
  • Assistance can be offered even if the grower has no recent production history or if the trees no longer produce an economically viable crop.
  • You must begin replanting or other approved activities within 2 years of approval, unless more time is needed to keep trees alive.
  • You may replant a different variety, change tree spacing, or move the planting, but your payment for those changes cannot exceed the amount you would get for replanting the original setup.
  • The Secretary can change or waive acreage limits case by case.
  • You should get an approval or denial decision within 120 days after applying.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s text shows aims to broaden and speed up financial help for orchardists and nursery tree growers. It adds pests and biennial trees, offers flexibility on replanting choices, allows the Secretary to adjust acreage rules, and sets a 120-day deadline for application decisions.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.