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 Governor Shapiro signed less than two weeks ago, 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. “Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly recognized the urgent need to support an industry that is vital to our economy and our communities. 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.”
This investment builds on existing USDA streamlined assistance that was secured after the Shapiro Administration called for federal support in May. Sec. Redding has encouraged growers to continue documenting and reporting their damage from freeze to their local USDA Farm Service Agency.
Source : pa.gov