Plum Pox Compensation

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the plum pox regulations to provide for the payment of compensation to eligible owners of non-fruit-bearing ornamental tree nurseries and to increase 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 in order to prevent the spread of plum pox. The interim rule also provided updated instructions for the submission of claims for compensation. These changes were necessary to provide adequate compensation to persons who are economically affected by the plum pox quarantine and the associated State and Federal eradication efforts.

Agency Contact: Ms. Lynn Evans-Goldner, Plum Pox National Program Manager, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-2286.