Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act

This bill, titled the Protecting America's Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, amends the existing tree assistance program within the Agricultural Act of 2014 to expand financial support for fruit and tree growers facing tree loss. The key changes allow growers to receive assistance regardless of their production history or whether their trees have stopped producing economically viable crops, while also giving the Secretary discretion to adjust acreage limits for assistance. The bill requires recipients to replant their trees within two years of approval or sooner if necessary for tree survival, and permits replanting with alternative tree varieties, densities, or locations, though funding amounts remain capped at what would have been received for replanting with the original specifications. Additionally, the program mandates that the Secretary must approve or deny applications within 120 days and notify applicants of the decision. These provisions directly affect orchardists and nursery tree growers who lose trees due to disease, pests, or other causes and seek federal assistance for replanting.