Tree Assistance Program

Tree Assistance Program. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that orchardists and nursery tree growers can begin applying for benefits under the Tree Assistance Program, which was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Signup begins Monday, May 10, 2010, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Chris Bieker, Outreach Coordinator with Spokane’s Farm Service Agency. BIEKER: The Tree Assistance Program otherwise known as TAP is a disaster relief program to help producers of fruit trees, nut trees, nursery trees, Christmas trees. It does not help timber producers or growers of trees for pulp and paper. Bieker discusses what is covered by TAP. BIEKER: The Tree Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help producers recover losses when they’ve suffered from a natural disaster which can include things such as flooding, fire, disease or insect devastation and so we help producers pay for the cost of replanting trees. Registration is open now through July 6th for any losses in 2008, 2009 & through May 7, 2010. More tomorrow on the Tree Assistance Program. That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.