Fruit growers across the Finger Lakes can seek federal emergency assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a disaster designation covering spring frost, freeze, hail and wind damage that caused more than $30 million in reported crop losses statewide.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the designation Saturday, saying apple, grape, stone fruit and strawberry operations were among those hit by extreme weather this spring. Losses reported by individual growers ranged from 15% to 100%, according to a state survey.
The designation includes Cayuga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties among the primary counties covered for an April 19-21 frost and freeze. Other Finger Lakes counties were included as contiguous counties for one or more of the declared disasters.
Broome, Cortland and Tompkins counties were designated for an April 7-8 frost and freeze, with Cayuga, Schuyler and Seneca among the contiguous counties. Cayuga and Oswego counties were also designated for high winds and hail May 13-14, with Seneca, Tompkins and Wayne listed among the contiguous counties.
Farm operators in primary and contiguous counties may be considered for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency if they meet eligibility requirements. Farmers have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for relief programs.
Hochul requested the federal declaration May 19. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said the designation will give affected growers an opportunity to seek loan funding as they recover from the spring damage.
New York ranks second nationally in apple production and third in grape production, according to the governor’s office. The state’s apple industry alone generates an estimated $574 million in economic impact.
Farmers can contact their local Farm Service Agency office or use the disaster assistance resources available through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
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