Bill Huizenga (R-MI)
Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting America's Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act," aims to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 regarding the tree assistance program. It updates definitions to include biennial or pest-related issues and modifies economic viability criteria for growers. The bill grants the Secretary discretion to modify or waive acreage limitations. It also establishes new timing requirements for carrying out activities after receiving assistance. Additionally, it provides options for replanting trees using alternative varieties, densities, or locations. Finally, it sets a timeline for the Secretary to approve or deny assistance applications.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill increases flexibility and broadens the scope of assistance available to orchardists and nursery tree growers.
- Scored +4
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill expands the definition of qualifying tree loss to include biennial and pest-related issues, helping growers recover.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill expands eligibility criteria and provides flexibility for orchardists and nursery growers to receive government assistance.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Definitions: The bill adds "biennial" and "pest" to the definitions, which may broaden the scope of what qualifies for assistance under the tree assistance program (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Accessibility for Growers: By stating assistance is provided "regardless of production history" and including trees that "no longer produce an economically viable crop," the bill makes it easier for certain growers to qualify (Section 2(b)).
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Flexible Acreage Limits: The Secretary is given the power to modify or waive acreage limitations, providing more flexibility for those seeking help (Section 2(c)).
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Replanting Flexibility: Eligible orchardists or nursery tree growers can use assistance to replant using alternative tree varieties, different stand densities, or different locations (Section 2(d)).
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Clearer Application Timelines: The bill requires the Secretary to approve or deny an application and notify the applicant within 120 days of receiving it (Section 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Replanting Cost Restrictions: While the bill allows for alternative replanting methods, the amount of assistance provided cannot exceed what a grower would have received if they had replanted using their original variety, density, or location (Section 2(d)).
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Strict Timing Requirements: To receive assistance, growers must agree to carry out the required activity within two years of approval, or within a time necessary to ensure tree survival (Section 2(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill increases flexibility and broadens the scope of assistance available to orchardists and nursery tree growers. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill expands the definition of qualifying tree loss to include biennial and pest-related issues, helping growers recover.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill expands eligibility criteria and provides flexibility for orchardists and nursery growers to receive government assistance. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill provides financial assistance to orchardists and nursery tree growers to help them replant and maintain operations.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill supports the economic viability of orchardists and nursery growers, which are key components of rural economies.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California