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$10 million in freeze relief available to Pennsylvania fruit growers

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Pennsylvania fruit growers who suffered losses during a damaging spring freeze will be able to apply for a share of $10 million in state disaster assistance, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Thursday during a visit to Adams County.

Shapiro, joined by state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, announced the Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant program at Three Springs Fruit Farm in Aspers. The grants are intended to help growers recover from crop losses caused by freezing temperatures in April.

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The freeze hit Pennsylvania’s fruit-growing regions at a particularly vulnerable point in the growing season, damaging crops and adding to financial pressures already facing farmers.

Shapiro said his administration has spent recent months speaking with growers about the extent of the damage and the challenges they expect to face. He acknowledged the grants will not cover all losses but said the assistance is intended to help farms remain financially viable.

Adams County is one of Pennsylvania’s most important fruit-producing areas, particularly for apples and peaches, making the announcement especially significant for local growers.

Shapiro asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture in May to expedite assessments of the freeze damage and issue a secretarial disaster declaration. The USDA subsequently issued disaster designations covering 58 Pennsylvania counties.

Those federal designations allow eligible farmers to seek low-interest emergency loans to help restore their operations. They also provide for expedited damage assessments that growers may need to complete crop insurance claims.

Joining Shapiro and Redding for the announcement were Three Springs Fruit Farm owner Ben Wenk and State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania President Sarah Zost. State lawmakers attending included Rep. Dan Moul, whose 91st District includes portions of Adams County, and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski of Luzerne County.

The new state grants come as Pennsylvania fruit growers contend not only with weather-related losses but also rising operating costs, workforce challenges and uncertainty in some export markets.

Eligible farmers may now begin applying for the Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants, according to the governor’s office.

Source: WGAL, pa.gov

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