Legislation from Congressman Bill Huizenga would increase the assistance offered to fruit growers when their crops are damaged by natural disasters. He tells us the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act would change some of the guidelines for federal assistance by allowing more time for growers to replant a crop, if necessary, for the plant’s health.
“Certainly in southwest Michigan, where blueberries and vineyards are more prevalent and we have a lot of fruit trees that promulgate the area, what we’re hearing is some of the disaster programs that are aimed at alleviating natural disasters have timeframes that just aren’t very realistic for something like a fruit tree,” Huizenga said.
The bill would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tree Assistance Program, allowing eligibility for growers of not just annual crops, but also biennial crops. Huizenga says some southwest Michigan growers have told him they need more time to replant after their crops are damaged. The legislation would also increase access to financial assistance for growers by allowing TAP payments for those who get at least 75% of their income from farming and cover more damage by lowering the plant mortality threshold.
