Harrisburg, Pa. — Pa. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced that the USDA responded positively to requests for federal support for Pa. fruit growers who lost crops to the devastating late-April freeze. After assessing reports from Pa. fruit growers describing massive losses, the USDA increased its disaster declaration to cover 58 Pa. counties. A list of the affected counties is available here.
The declaration means that farmers in these counties are eligible for disaster assistance in the form of low-interest federal disaster recovery loans. The declaration also expedites claims and reduces needed paperwork for apple growers who are eligible for crop insurance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
The Shapiro Administration has petitioned for the USDA to implement the expedited process granted to apple growers to other businesses. The Pa. Department of Agriculture is also requesting that the USDA establish a crop insurance program for processors and fruit packers.
In addition to the federal assistance available, the 2026-27 Pa. state budget includes $10 million to fund Pa. Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants.
Related reading: Pa. farms, orchards continue on after massive crop loss
“We are committed to helping Pennsylvania fruit growers recover from one of the most destructive freezes in generations,” Secretary Redding said. “Governor Shapiro called for urgent support for an industry that is vital to our economy and our communities, and the state legislature and federal government listened. The Shapiro Administration will continue fighting for help for all fruit growers who lost crops and will keep up our commitment to helping growers recover and rebound for the uphill climb ahead.”
During a July roundtable at a Centre County orchard, Secretary Redding encouraged growers to continue to document and report their damage from the freeze to their local USDA Farm Service Agency, in addition to applying for relief through the state’s new grant funding.
Applications for state grants are now open. For more information and to apply, click here.
Pa. is also working with fellow Mid-Atlantic states to request block-grant funds from the USDA, which would allow flexible relief programs that can target different disasters affecting different fruit crops and locations.
Pa. is one of the nation’s leading producers of apples, peaches, grapes, cherries, and strawberries, which were all affected by the late-season freeze. Damage estimates gathered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency in conjunction with Pa. counties were estimated at $150 million to $200 million from a single April freeze, with some crops lost entirely.