Pennsylvania Officials Seek Federal Aid After $150M-$200M Crop Freeze Damage
Pennsylvania officials seek federal disaster aid as April freeze causes up to $200 million in crop losses, forcing some orchards to close until 2027.
LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA — State officials requested federal disaster assistance Friday as Pennsylvania farmers face significant losses from an April freeze, causing an estimated $150 million to $200 million in damage to the state’s special crop industry.
Governor Josh Shapiro joined agriculture leaders at Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County to discuss the freeze’s impact on Pennsylvania’s farming communities. The orchard, owned by fifth-generation grower Corey McCleaf, suffered near-total losses and will remain closed this summer with no revenue expected until fall 2027.
“My Administration has prioritized Pennsylvania agriculture from day one because we know farming powers our economy, feeds our communities, and sustains our rural communities,” Shapiro said in a release. “Right now, Pennsylvania farmers are facing catastrophic losses through no fault of their own, and they deserve a federal government that moves with urgency.”
Orchard Owner Details Devastating Impact
McCleaf described the widespread damage affecting not just individual farms but entire rural communities dependent on agricultural operations. The freeze wiped out months of preparation and investment in just a few hours.
“Fruit farming is a year-round investment of time, labor, and faith in the season ahead, and after a freeze like this, you can see months of work and planning impacted in just a few hours,” McCleaf said. “For operations like ours, these losses affect not just this year’s crop, but the employees, families, and local communities that depend on Pennsylvania agriculture.”
Cherry Hill Orchards exemplifies the severe economic toll facing fruit growers across the state. The family operation expects no income from this year’s growing season and faces the prospect of waiting until next year’s harvest to generate revenue again.
State Leaders Push for Federal Response
Shapiro emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting affected farmers through the crisis. The governor indicated state officials would explore all available options to assist agricultural operations dealing with the freeze damage.
“We will continue to have the backs of our farmers and make sure we explore every option at our disposal to help them through this crisis,” Shapiro continued in his statement.
The call for federal disaster assistance comes as Pennsylvania’s specialty crop sector grapples with unprecedented losses from the unusual April weather event. The economic impact extends beyond individual farms to affect seasonal workers, suppliers, and rural communities that rely on agricultural income.
Industry-Wide Economic Losses
The early damage estimates of $150 million to $200 million reflect the scale of destruction across Pennsylvania’s fruit-growing regions. State agricultural officials are continuing to assess the full extent of crop losses as the growing season progresses.
Friday’s gathering at Cherry Hill Orchards highlighted the real-world impact of weather disasters on family farming operations. The orchard closure until 2027 demonstrates how weather events can disrupt agricultural businesses for extended periods beyond the immediate growing season.
Pennsylvania agriculture officials are working with federal agencies to document losses and expedite potential disaster relief funding for affected growers. The state’s farming sector employs thousands of workers and contributes billions of dollars annually to the commonwealth’s economy.
