Home / Disasters and Accidents / Freeze Devastates PA Fruit Crops, Aid Arrives
Freeze Devastates PA Fruit Crops, Aid Arrives
27 May
Summary
- Federal disaster declaration issued for 17 Pennsylvania counties.
- Late April freeze destroyed apple, peach, and pear blossoms.
- USDA offers emergency credit and other recovery programs.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has declared a federal disaster for 17 Pennsylvania counties following a devastating spring freeze. The event, which occurred from April 19-21, decimated fruit blossoms, critically impacting apple, peach, and pear orchards. This declaration enables affected growers to access emergency financial assistance and recovery programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency will provide emergency credit to producers. These loans can be utilized for replacing essential items like equipment or livestock, reorganizing farming operations, or refinancing existing debts. The initial economic losses for Pennsylvania's special crop industry are estimated to be between $150 million and $200 million, with some growers facing total crop loss.
Farmers in affected counties, including Adams, Lancaster, and York, have until January 26, 2027, to apply for these emergency loans. The USDA is also reviewing designations for other Pennsylvania counties and offers additional programs like crop insurance and conservation assistance. This federal aid aims to support the commonwealth's agricultural economy and assist those impacted by the unexpected weather event.
