Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act

More tree-planting help for growers

If enacted, orchardists and nursery tree growers would be able to get help from the Tree Assistance Program for lost or non-producing trees. The Secretary would be able to modify or waive TAP acreage limits in whole or in part. Assistance would be available regardless of a grower’s prior production history and for trees that no longer produce an economically viable crop. You would be able to use the help to replant a different tree variety, change stand density, or plant in a new location. Payments would be capped at the amount you would receive for replanting like-for-like (same variety, density, and location). The Secretary would have to approve or deny each application and notify you within 120 days of receipt. You would have to finish the assisted replanting within 2 years of approval, or later if more time is needed to ensure tree survival. The bill would also add the words "biennial" after "annual" and "pest" after "insect" in TAP definitions.