Plum pox compensation available

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued an Interim Rule which amends the plum pox regulations to all for the payment of compensation to eligible owners of non-fruit-bearing ornamental tree nurseries. The rule also increases the amount of compensation that may be paid to eligible owners of commercial stone fruit orchards and fruit tree nurseries whose trees are required to be destroyed to prevent the spread of plum pox.

Plum pox is an extremely serious viral disease of plants that can affect many Prunus (stone fruit) species, including plum, peach, apricot, almond, nectarine, and sweet and tart cherry. A number of wild and ornamental Prunus species may also be susceptible to this disease. Without effective treatments, the only option for preventing the spread of the disease is the destruction of infected and exposed trees.

Read the rule here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-03/html/2012-2448.htm