Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding visited Three Springs Fruit Farm in Adams County to encourage Pennsylvania fruit growers who lost crops during a devastating late-April freeze to apply for relief through Pennsylvania’s new Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program, beginning on August 24.
“A sudden freeze like the one we experienced in April will make the very real challenges they face – from workforce issues, to closing markets as a result of tariffs, to the cost of doing business going up — even harder. While I know these grants won’t cover all of our farmers’ losses, they’re another step in the right direction, and we will keep fighting to ensure they stay afloat,” said Governor Shapiro.
PDA will begin accepting Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant applications from Pennsylvania growers whose pome or stone fruits (such as apples, pears, peaches, and cherries) or grape or berry crops were affected by freezing temperatures between April 1, 2026, and April 21, 2026. Growers who experienced losses of at least 30 percent of expected production of eligible crops may apply. Detailed instructions will be published in the August 22, 2026 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin and on the PDA website. Applications will be accepted by mail or email beginning on August 24, through September 21, 2026.
“We are committed to helping Pennsylvania fruit growers recover from one of the most damaging spring freezes in recent memory,” said Ag Secretary Redding. “Combined with federal assistance we continue fighting to secure, we’re helping growers recover and rebound over the uphill climb ahead.”
Pennsylvania growers reported their worst losses in several generations due to the freeze, with many reporting a near 100 percent crop loss in apples, and serious impacts to peach, cherry, strawberry, and grape yields. PDA has estimated the Commonwealth’s specialty crop industry could face between $150 million to $200 million in economic losses.
As one of the region’s hard-hit growers, Three Springs Fruit Farm has estimated a 50 percent loss to their apple crop and seen a decrease in stone fruit growth, resulting in significant business decline. While the farm is typically able to wholesale approximately $7,000 worth of peaches per week during this time of year, the farm has been unable to sell $7,000 in peaches throughout this entire season.
“Here at Three Springs Fruit Farm, my family’s operation goes back nearly 200 years, and I’m the seventh generation farmer in our family,” said Ben Wenk, Owner, Three Springs Fruit Farm. “This year’s apple harvest has begun, but our harvest numbers are down significantly and we’ve had to reduce some of our staff. While we’ve been prioritizing our farmers markets with the fruit we do have, consumer communication has been an issue. We know this freeze is going to have a ripple effect across the whole of our community, but we’re a resilient bunch and we’re grateful to be working with our local, state, and federal government.”
“The freeze recovery grants are a lifeline for struggling farms while our season is still ongoing. The $10 million in aid will be put to work immediately to cover harvest payroll and the required expenses of tending to our orchards,” said Sarah Zost, President, State Horticultural Association of PA.
