Chuck Schumer: “As the Senators may know, New York is the third largest producer of tart cherries in the nation and Wayne County is the…”

“As the Senators may know, New York is the third largest producer of tart cherries in the nation and Wayne County is the largest cherry-producing county in New York. Unfortunately, fruit orchards throughout Western New York sustained major damages as a result of a 3-day long ice storm in April. Approximately 85 percent of the tart cherry trees in Wayne County were severely damaged or destroyed by the storm. Throughout the region, sweet cherry, peach, pear, apple and plum trees were destroyed by the violent ice storm. The impact that these losses are already having on the fruit tree industry in New York is devastating and will continue to effect growers in for years to come since it takes new trees over eight years to mature. In fact, it is estimated that losses resulting from this April's storms could reach a total of $15,000,000. Federal assistance is greatly needed to cover the expenses of removing and replacing the ruined trees. The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) was created in order to help farmers facing the challenges now faced by those in Western New York.”