Release No. 0321.00

Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
Meghan Thomas (301) 734-3266
meghan.k.thomas@usda.gov

GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES DETAILS ON COMPENSATION FOR PLUM POX-AFFECTED FARMERS

       WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2000--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced the details regarding compensation that will be provided to owners of commercial stone fruit orchards and nurseries whose stock was destroyed in order to control plum pox in Pennsylvania. Vice President Gore said in June that up to $13.2 million would be made available to assist fruit growers and fruit tree nursery owners who suffered economically due to the plum pox quarantine.

       "Many Pennsylvania fruit growers and nursery owners have suffered tremendous damage because of this disease," said Glickman. "Hopefully, these funds will help them to recover."

       Commercial stone fruit orchard owners whose trees have been destroyed in order to control plum pox are eligible for compensation on a per-acre basis, depending on the age of the orchard. Owners of fruit tree nurseries are eligible to receive compensation for the net revenue losses associated with the prohibition of movement or sale of nursery stock as a result of an emergency action notice issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

       The rate of compensation to be paid by USDA is set at up to 85 percent of the difference in value between the destroyed and replacement orchards. The state of Pennsylvania has indicated that state funds will be used to make up the remaining difference in value. In no case will the total USDA and state compensation exceed 100 percent of the difference in value.

       Today's announcement was published in the Sept. 14 Federal Register and became effective upon publication. It is available on the web at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

       Prior to the discovery in Pennsylvania in 1999, plum pox had never been detected in the United States. Plum pox virus, also known as sharka, infects stone fruit species including peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, and almonds. Fruit from infected trees may be deformed or blemished with spots or rings. The virus can also cause fruit to drop prematurely from the tree.

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