With tractor rollovers an acute problem in the hilly East, states offer rebates to farmers

States offers aid to prevent tractor deaths

CABOT, Vt. — A rebate program aimed at helping to prevent tractor rollover deaths is expanding to Vermont and two other Eastern states where hilly terrain can be deadly to farmers.

The program, which is already under way in New York, reimburses farmers 70 percent of the cost of buying a roll bar and seat belt kit, saving them up to $765.

Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of death on farms and officials say the Northeast has the highest rate of them. On Tuesday, agriculture officials gathered on a farm in Cabot, Vt., to urge farmers to apply for the rebates.

The program also will be expanded to Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.