Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act

Bill Huizenga

Republican · MI · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19)Original· 2026-04-13

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

2026-04-13

Source: Congress.gov

This bill would likely provide financial support, tax breaks, or regulatory relief to farmers who grow fruit trees and ornamental nursery plants, helping them compete with imported products and weather economic challenges. The measure appears designed to protect these agricultural businesses from market pressures and ensure the survival of American orchards and tree nurseries.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 8251 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8251 To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 with respect to the tree assistance program, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 13, 2026 Mr. Huizenga (for himself and Mr. Panetta) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 with respect to the tree assistance program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting America's Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act''. SEC. 2. TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) Definitions.--Section 1501(e)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or biennial'' after ``annual''; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or pest'' after ``insect''. (b) Economic Viability.--Section 1501(e)(2)(A) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(2)(A)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``provide'' and all that follows through ``under paragraph (3) to'' and inserting ``provide assistance under paragraph (3) to''; (2) in clause (i)-- (A) by inserting ``, regardless of production history,'' after ``growers''; (B) by inserting ``, or the trees no longer produce an economically viable crop,'' after ``the trees''; and (C) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and (3) by striking clause (ii). (c) Assistance.--Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``and (5)'' and inserting ``, (5), and (6)''; and (2) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Acreage limitation adjustments.--The Secretary shall have discretion to modify or waive, in whole or in part, the acreage limitation described under subparagraph (B), as the Secretary determines appropriate.''. (d) Requirements With Respect to Assistance.--Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Timing requirement.--As a condition for receiving assistance under this subsection, an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall agree to carry out any activity for which such assistance is provided not later than-- ``(A) 2 years after the date on which the Secretary notifies such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower of an approval under paragraph (9); or ``(B) if the period described under subparagraph (A) is not adequate for tree survival, at such time as is necessary to ensure tree survival. ``(7) Alternatives for replanting trees.-- ``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower receiving assistance under this subsection may use such assistance to replant using-- ``(i) an alternative variety of tree from the variety planted prior to the tree loss for which such assistance is provided; ``(ii) an alternative stand density from the stand density planted prior to such loss; and ``(iii) an alternative location from the location in which such loss occurred. ``(B) Cost share limitations with respect to alternatives.--The assistance provided under this subsection to an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall be in an amount that is not greater than the amount such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would receive if such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower replanted using-- ``(i) for an alternative described under subparagraph (A)(i), the variety of tree planted prior to the tree loss for which such assistance is provided; ``(ii) for an alternative described under subparagraph (A)(ii), the stand…

density planted prior to such loss; and ``(iii) for an alternative described under subparagraph (A)(iii), the location in which such loss occurred.''. (e) Notice of Application Status.--Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9801(e)) is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(9) Notice of application status.--Not later than 120 days after receiving an application for assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) approve or deny such application; and ``(B) notify the applicant of such approval or denial.''. <all>

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