SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has signed a disaster declaration for Pennsylvania producers following damaging freeze events that struck the state last month.
The declaration covers 17 counties after below-freezing temperatures in April caused significant losses for orchards and other specialty crop operations across the region.
USDA says the designation allows eligible producers to apply for emergency assistance through the Farm Service Agency, including low-interest emergency loans and other disaster recovery programs.
“Fighting for our farmers means being there for them when Mother Nature hits. Today we are showing that USDA stands with Pennsylvania agriculture — and we will continue working to ensure producers have the support they need to recover and move forward,” Rollins said.
She added that the declaration represents an important first step in helping growers recover from weather-related losses: “Under President Trump, USDA will continue to put farmers first and make sure they have the resources they need.”
Rob Bresnahan says the freeze caused severe damage to orchards and specialty crop farms throughout the state.
“Our farmers cannot control the weather, but Washington can make sure they are not left to shoulder these losses alone.”
Bresnahan thanked USDA for approving the declaration and said the assistance will help support producers recovering from the spring freeze.
“The April freeze devastated orchards and specialty crop producers across Pennsylvania, and this declaration will help get critical relief to the growers who keep our communities fed and our agricultural economy strong.”
Eligible producers will have until January 26 to apply for emergency loan assistance through USDA programs.
