Edwards Introduces Disaster Recovery Bill to Assist NC Tree Growers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the Advance Tree Assistance Program (TAP) Payments Act to help orchardists and nursery tree growers replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters and plant disease.

Hurricane Helene caused severe damage to orchards and nurseries across western North Carolina. Because tree losses create long-term financial setbacks, replanting as soon as possible is essential for economic recovery. Without programs like TAP, affected growers could face years of lost income, or in some cases permanent closure. Currently, TAP is one of the few USDA programs that does not allow any portion of payment to be made up front. This legislation would authorize TAP to cover a percentage of producers' upfront costs, reducing the financial burden on growers working to recover from natural disasters. Congressman Edwards introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

"In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, the agricultural community across Western North Carolina face extensive challenges on the road to recovery. Growers across the region indicate that TAP's pay-up-front structure created a major barrier to accessing the critical relief they needed," said Congressman Edwards. "By allowing TAP to cover a portion of upfront costs, this bill lowers that burden and helps producers recover and rebuild stronger."

###