Compensation will also help obtain cooperation from individuals affected by Karnal bunt eradication efforts.
Karnal bunt is caused by the smut fungus Tilletia indica and is spread by spores.
Karnal bunt was first detected in the United States in Arizona in March of last year. The detection jeopardized billions of dollars' worth of export markets for the U.S. wheat industry. The 1995-96 crop season compensation regulations provide compensation for loss in value of wheat that had twice tested negative. The current proposal does not compensate growers for negative-tested wheat harvested in 1997 in the regulated area. Owners of grain storage facilities would be eligible for compensation under this proposal if they stored positive-testing grain.