New York lawmakers urge USDA disaster aid for fruit growers after spring frost losses
The New York Knicks improbable NBA Finals run has taken over all things Empire State of late, but not everyone is exclusively focused on the series as it shifts to Madison Square Garden on Monday night: New York’s congressional delegation is urging USDA to approve disaster assistance for fruit and specialty crop growers after a late-April frost caused widespread crop damage across the state.
U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Rep. Pat Ryan, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting approval of a Secretarial Disaster Designation sought by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The designation would make affected growers eligible for low-interest emergency loans and other federal recovery assistance.
According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, losses from the frost event have already exceeded $30 million. Apple, grape, stone fruit, onion, pear and strawberry growers have reported crop losses ranging from 15% to 100%, depending on location and crop stage at the time of the freeze.
The freeze followed an unusually warm early spring that accelerated bud development across many fruit crops. When temperatures dropped below freezing in late April, emerging buds and shoots suffered extensive damage throughout the state.
New York ranks among the nation’s leading specialty crop-producing states, including second in apple production and third in grape production, according to USDA data. The sector also supports agritourism businesses, wineries, cider producers and pick-your-own operations.
The disaster designation request covers 15 primary counties and numerous contiguous counties across upstate New York and the Hudson Valley. If approved, growers would gain access to USDA emergency loan programs and other resources intended to help operations recover from weather-related losses.
Lawmakers said rapid approval is critical as growers assess crop losses and prepare for the remainder of the 2026 season.