What level of economic loss triggers the criteria for a priority investigation?

The criteria for a priority investigation is based on significant economic loss that can impact agricultural productivity. Damage estimated at $20,000 or 20% crop yield loss represents a substantial economic threshold that warrants immediate attention. Such levels of damage are not only detrimental to the individual farmer but can also affect the local economy, particularly in agricultural communities where crop yield is closely tied to economic stability.

Setting this threshold at $20,000 or a 20% reduction in yield ensures that investigations are focused on cases that have the potential to lead to severe economic consequences. This helps prioritize resources and efforts toward the most impactful situations, allowing for timely interventions that can mitigate further losses and support recovery efforts. Other lower thresholds do not adequately capture the severity of the impact necessary for a priority investigation, potentially leading to a misallocation of resources in cases that may not warrant such urgency.