Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Way Fruit Farm in Centre County to meet with growers affected by the devastating late – April freeze that severely damaged fruit crops across the Commonwealth. Secretary Redding highlighted the recently enacted 2026-27 state budget which invests $10 million for Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant program.
With this new funding, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is developing the Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants to support farmers where the investment will have the most significant impact, helping growers recover from this year’s unprecedented crop losses.
“This funding is an important step toward helping Pennsylvania’s fruit growers recover from one of the most damaging spring freezes in recent memory,” Secretary Redding said. “Combined with federal assistance we’ve fought to secure, we’re helping growers rebuild while continuing to advocate for additional support where it’s needed.”
“When disaster strikes, it’s easy for farmers to feel like they’re facing it alone,” said Jason Coopey, owner of Way Fruit Farm. “Programs like this send a powerful message that our communities and our government recognize the vital role farmers play in feeding America. Knowing that support is there makes a real difference as we work to recover and keep our farms going. We are celebrating 200 years. We want to make more.”
Sec. Redding reinforced the Administration’s call for continued federal and legislative support to help fruit growers from weather-related losses and strengthen the long-term resilience of Pennsylvania agriculture. Key requests included:
- Statewide USDA disaster declaration: 28 Pennsylvania counties have received disaster designations as of today, with a handful of adjacent counties qualifying through neighboring states. Governor Shapiro and Sec. Redding requested a statewide designation in addition to other requests awaiting USDA action.
- Expanded crop insurance flexibilities: PDA asked USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) to expedite insurance payments through advances and exclude fancy-grade fruit from pack-out calculations. RMA recently announced additional flexibilities, but only for apple growers, leaving other specialty crops without relief.
- Insurance for processors and packers: PDA is requesting that USDA establish a crop insurance program for processors and packers, a proposal supported in pending federal legislation.
- Federal block grant funding: Pennsylvania is leading a multi-state effort with New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey to urge Congress to provide USDA block grant funding. This would allow states to create flexible; relief programs tailored to the unique harmful effects on specific fruit crops and locations.
