NEWS
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of Communications News Room 460-A
Washington, DC 20250-1300
Internet: News@usda.gov Phone: 202-720-9035
World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.usda.gov
Release No. 0028.04
Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
Jillene Johnson (202) 720-9733
SIGN-UP BEGINS TODAY FOR
USDA MICHIGAN TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 -- Agriculture Secretary
Ann M. Veneman today announced that Michigan tree owners
who suffered tree losses due to fire blight can sign up
for the $9.7 million Michigan Tree Assistance Program
(TAP), from Jan. 20 through Feb. 20, 2004.
"This assistance will provide relief to Michigan
tree owners who have been battling fire blight disease for
several years," said Veneman.
Through TAP, authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, USDA
provides payments to tree owners to replace trees, bushes
and vines that produce annual crops and were damaged by a
natural disaster. Michigan TAP assistance is for losses
due to fire blight disease incurred after Jan. 1, 2000.
Congress provided $9.7 million in funds for the Michigan
TAP through the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act
of 2003.
Eligible trees, bushes and vines under the Michigan
TAP are those from which an annual crop is produced for
commercial purposes. Trees used for pulp, timber,
Christmas trees and nursery tree stock are ineligible. To
qualify for the Michigan TAP, losses must be 15 percent or
greater for the individual stand, adjusted for normal
mortality.
Fire blight is a bacterium that attacks the blossoms
or flowers then twigs and branches of trees, bushes and
vines. Apple and pear trees are common hosts. The term
"fire blight" refers to the scorched appearance of the
diseased plant.
TAP payments will begin soon after sign-up ends.
Program participants will be reimbursed for the number of
eligible trees, bushes or vines replanted times the lesser
of: 1) 75 percent of the producer's actual costs to
replant; or 2) the cost to replant established by the
State Committee.
TAP program participants are limited to 500 acres in
TAP payments. If the dollar amount of accepted
applications exceeds available funding, USDA will limit
claim amounts as needed.
For more information, or to apply for TAP
assistance, tree owners should contact their local Farm
Service Agency (FSA) office. Additional TAP information
is available on FSA's Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov
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