More than 6 million citrus trees need to be removed and replanted to curve the damage caused by citrus greening in Florida. Through the federal Tree Assistance Program, Florida citrus growers now can get money to help get it done.
“It’s important for us to aggressively attack citrus greening. There has been serious concern of orchards being abandoned in Florida by owners who do not know what to do with them,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “What this program does, it provides them a chance to think and pencil out whether or not they can cost effectively and efficiently remove the diseased trees and replant. And if they do, over a period of time, hopefully recoup the cost.”
Though citrus is grown in other regions, only Florida citrus producers are eligible for this particular assistance program at this time, , simply because Florida citrus growers by far have the biggest problem with the disease and orchard abandonment. Over the next few years, 6 million citrus trees need to be replaced to make up the loss from the disease.
There is no cure for citrus greening. The industry is anxious to try any and all things to try and see what works … because they realize the seriousness and the risk.
Florida citrus growers will be eligible for up to 50 percent of the cost of the removal of diseased trees and site preparation, 65 percent of the cost of replanting and labor and 65 percent of the cost of seedlings. Losses must have occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011.
Growers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office soon, before Sept. 30. Applications approved after Sept. 30 are subject to a payment reduction of 7.3 percent as required by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Growers can still apply after Oct. 1, but will be subject to the sequestration reduction.
No person or legal entity, except joint ventures or general partnerships, may receive more than $125,000 in assistance from the program. Individuals or entities with average gross income exceeding $900,000 are ineligible for payment. Vilsack estimated, even with the limitations, 4,500 to 5,000 Florida citrus growers could be eligible for the program. - Millet
