Soon I plan to introduce legislation that will allow Pennsylvania fruit farmers to access disaster grant funding to assist them in recovering from the recent spring freeze.

I have heard from farmers in my own backyard that they haven’t seen a freezing event this late and as bad in their lifetime. Early reports from producers are that the perennial fruit crop for this year has been decimated due to the recent freeze that took place across the Commonwealth. While we all hope that some of it is salvageable, the outlook is unfortunately bleak.  The economic impact to the Commonwealth from the Adams County fruit belt alone contributes an estimated $1-2 billion and ranks 4th in the U.S for apple production, not to mention the other fruits we harvest across the state like peaches, plums and various berries. Nearly all of this bountiful harvest could be lost for this season and may impact next year’s season as well.

My legislation would allow Pennsylvania fruit farmers who have been impacted by the recent freeze event to access funds under the Agriculture Rapid Response Disaster Readiness program for assistance that is not covered by crop insurance or Federal programs offered by USDA.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to help those who feed us, and limit the economic impact on our state’s economy due to circumstances beyond the farmers’ control.