Farm Service Agency May 7, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This rule implements specific requirements for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill). TAP provides disaster assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, and vines that were lost due to natural disaster. Orchardists and nursery tree growers who commercially raise trees, bushes, and vines for which there were mortality losses in excess of 15 percent, after adjustment for normal mortality, are eligible for TAP payments. Eligible losses must have occurred between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. This rule specifies how the TAP payments are calculated and when producers may apply for benefits. This rule also removes regulations for prior tree disaster assistance programs.