Section 1-26-709 - Compensation for growing crops and improvements(a) The compensation for crops growing on the property on the date of valuation is the higher of the current fair market value of the crops in place, assuming the right to bring them to maturity and to harvest them, or the amount by which the existence of the crops enhances the fair market value of the property. (b) The compensation for an interest in improvements is the higher of the fair market value of the improvements, assuming their immediate removal from the property, or the amount by which the existence of the improvements enhances the fair market value of the property. (c) If improvements are destroyed, removed or damaged by the condemnee after the date of valuation, the amount of compensation shall be adjusted to reflect the extent to which the fair market value of the property has thereby been reduced. (d) Crops or improvements that are first placed upon the property after the date of valuation shall be excluded from consideration in determining the amount of the award, except that the award shall be adjusted to include the reasonable and necessary cost of providing improvements required by law and improvements necessary to protect life or property as authorized by the court.