Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA has made new financial assistance available to Florida citrus growers for the removal of trees afflicted with HLB and for replanting groves with new healthy stock. Vilsack commented,“We must ensure that Florida’s citrus industry can weather this storm while a more permanent solution to this problem is developed. The key to the citrus industry’s survival is getting new trees in the ground, and we’re doing everything we can to help with that.” The support comes through USDA’s Tree Assistance Program (TAP), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Program Particulars
Under this program, Florida citrus growers will be eligible for up to 50% of the cost of the removal of diseased trees and site preparation, 65% of the cost of replanting and labor, and 65% of the cost of new trees. Losses must have occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011, and individual stands must have sustained a mortality loss of 15% after adjustment for normal mortality. Trees that are no longer commercially viable may be considered to have met mortality. - Millet
