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PrintCompensation available for cold losses
Orchardists who lost trees because of severe cold weather this winter might be eligible to be reimbursed for replacement trees.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has a Tree Assistance Program designed to help commercial producers replant or salvage trees and grape vines affected by natural disasters.
Producers must have lost more than 15 percent of their trees or vines because of the cold. Payments can cover up to 70 percent of replanting costs for up to 500 acres of trees or vines. For growers salvaging or pruning existing trees or vines, they can receive up to 50 percent of their costs.
To qualify, growers must have had a policy or insurance plan under the Federal Crop Insurance Act or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Growers must apply for the program at local FSA offices within 90 days of when the losses become apparent.
For more information to go www.fsa.usda.gov and click on “Disaster Assistance Programs.”
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