FORT KENT — Workers who lost their jobs at an Irving Forest Products plant in northern Maine are eligible for special federal assistance.

Seven workers lost their jobs when the Fort Kent facility closed last spring. The facility made wood barrel garden planters for Lowe’s and Home Depot stores.

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud said Thursday the U.S. Labor Department has concluded that the workers lost their jobs because of rising Chinese imports, and that they’re now eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance, which provides workers with skill assessments, training and job search assistance.