75 



after severe 1989 Christmas freeze.) Redefining "crop" for 

 nursery/fish producers could help compensate growers for a $150 million 

 crop loss and infuse 35 to 45 million (based on full DAP funding, not 

 considering the .5004 DAP factor) into the local economy. 



Operating capital is critical to pay wages in these labor 

 intensive/year round industries where business survival and jobs are 

 closely tied. This industry contributes in excess of 120 million 

 yearly to the local economy. Approximately 900 nursery operations as 

 well as their 5000 skilled employees would benefit from a change in 

 "crop year" definitions. Growers have come to the ASCS office seeking 

 help to meet payrolls, they have never applied for assistance before 

 and do not understand how they can lose so much inventory and not 

 gualify for the Disaster Assistance Program. 



The third concern is that of lime, mango, lychee, and other 

 tropical fruit growers (40+ million gross income loss, 1993) who are 

 faced with the multi-years maintenance of their trees with little or no 

 income. Many have been eliminated from any compensation under DAP 

 because the 1993 crop or the majority of it had been harvested; without 

 a 1993 Disaster Program these growers will not receive assistance. 



These growers are aware that when Valencia oranges did not fall 

 into the 1989 Disaster Assistance Program because of their harvest 

 season, a special sign up with a supplemental allocation was provided 

 for Valencia oranges by Congress. Lime, mango, lychee and other 

 tropical fruit producers that fall into this group would like a similar 

 provision. Tropical fruits contribute 68 million to the economy and 

 employ 3,060 people. 



