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Freeze relief applications open for fruit growers

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Adams County fruit growers who suffered significant crop losses during April’s freezing temperatures may apply for assistance through a new state grant program offering up to $10 million in relief.

Applications for the Pennsylvania Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture established the program to help growers recover from damage caused by freezing temperatures between April 1 and April 21. Gov. Josh Shapiro secured funding through Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget.

The program could provide important relief in Adams County, where orchards and fruit production represent a major part of the agricultural economy. Apples are the county’s best-known fruit crop, but local farms also produce peaches, cherries, pears, berries and other specialty crops covered by the program.

To qualify, growers must have produced at least 30% less than expected because of freeze damage.

Eligible crops include pome fruits such as apples, pears and quinces, along with stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines and plums. Table, wine and juice grapes also qualify.

Covered berry crops include blueberries, cranberries, currants, elderberries, gooseberries, mulberries and brambles such as raspberries and blackberries.

Growers are encouraged to review the state’s program guidelines and application instructions before filing. The application is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website at [https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-the-pa-fruit-grower-freeze-disaster-assistance-recovery-grant](https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-the-pa-fruit-grower-freeze-disaster-assistance-recovery-grant).

Completed applications may be emailed to [RA-AGFREEZEREIMBURSE@pa.gov](mailto:RA-AGFREEZEREIMBURSE@pa.gov).

Applications may also be mailed to Jake Tatge, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Growers submitting materials by mail should allow enough delivery time to ensure their applications arrive by the Sept. 21 deadline.

Source: pa.gov

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