By Blake Jackson
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently visited Three Springs Fruit Farm in Adams County to encourage growers affected by a severe spring freeze to apply for assistance through Pennsylvania’s new Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program.
The program was established through a $10 million investment included in the state’s 2026-27 budget, making Pennsylvania the only Mid-Atlantic state to create dedicated funding for fruit growers impacted by the damaging freeze that occurred in April. Applications for the grant program will open on August 24, 2026.
“Over the last few months, my Administration has talked to growers across the Commonwealth, learning about the hardships they expect to go through in the coming months and the help they need to get through it,” said Governor Shapiro.
“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.”
The grant program is available to growers of pome and stone fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and cherries, as well as grape and berry producers.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate losses of at least 30% of expected production from freeze damage that occurred between April 1 and April 21, 2026. Applications will be accepted through September 21, 2026.
The new state funding complements federal disaster assistance efforts. Earlier this year, Governor Shapiro urged the USDA to expedite damage assessments and provide disaster designations.
The USDA has since designated 58 Pennsylvania counties as disaster areas, allowing growers access to low-interest recovery loans and other assistance programs.
“We are committed to helping Pennsylvania fruit growers recover from one of the most damaging spring freezes in recent memory,” said Ag Secretary Redding.
“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 continue fighting to secure, we’re helping growers recover and rebound over the uphill climb ahead.”
Pennsylvania fruit growers reported some of the most severe freeze-related losses in decades, with many orchards experiencing near-total crop losses. State officials estimate the specialty crop sector could incur $150 million to $200 million in economic damage.
Among the affected operations is Three Springs Fruit Farm, which estimates a 50% reduction in its apple crop and significant declines in stone fruit production. The farm reported major financial impacts, including a sharp drop in peach sales compared to a typical season.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Government & Policy