Pennsylvania is sending $10 million in disaster grants to 319 fruit growers after April’s freeze damaged crops across the state. The Department of Agriculture announced the payments November 6, providing help after a growing season that began with widespread losses.
The awards cover nearly 18,500 acres in 48 counties. Qualified growers receive $540 per acre under the state program, which required a crop loss of at least 30 percent.
The assistance covers more than apples. Pears, peaches, cherries, grapes and berries were among the eligible crops, according to the department’s program guidance.
Adams County’s losses helped bring attention to the problem. Governor Josh Shapiro visited Three Springs Fruit Farm in Menallen Township in August to announce the application process.
At that August visit, the administration estimated Pennsylvania’s fruit-industry losses at $150 million to $200 million. Those estimates describe the scale of the damage; the $10 million grant program does not replace the full value of the lost harvest.
Three Springs estimated at the time that it had lost half its apple crop, along with a substantial share of its stone fruit. “Our harvest numbers are down significantly,” owner Ben Wenk said in the August announcement, describing a season that had also brought staffing reductions.
The state announcement also described limits in the federal response. A disaster designation covered 58 Pennsylvania counties, and flexibility was provided for apple crop insurance, but comparable relief did not reach every affected fruit crop.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the state continues to seek federal assistance. The November announcement concerns payments to qualified applicants, not a new application period.