USDA Announces Assistance to Pecan Growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced additional assistance for pecan growers to replant and replace trees through the Tree Assistance Program. Pecan growers are recovering from weather events in 2017, and the funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 will help the industry recover and replace lost and damaged trees, according to USDA undersecretary Bill Northey. Up to $15 million is available to eligible pecan orchards or pecan nursery tree growers for certain mortality losses suffered in 2017. To be eligible, the grower must have suffered a mortality loss on a stand in excess of 7.5 percent, but less than 15 percent, adjusted for normal mortality. Growers may also be eligible for other 2014 Farm Bill programs. For example, pecan growers who suffered greater than a 15 percent mortality loss remain eligible under the regular Tree Assistance Program provisions. Northey urged those who may be eligible to visit their local state or county FSA office