CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — Multiple counties across New York are getting support from the federal government for extreme weather in the spring that impacted crop operations.

Governor Hochul announced the state had been granted a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for counties across New York, including here in the Capital Region.

According to the governor’s office, to date, producers that reported in these regions have experienced an estimated loss of more than $30 million. That includes fruit operations, from apple, stone fruit, grape, and strawberry growers.

A Disaster Designation allows affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans.

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“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Governor Hochul said. “I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward. I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”

Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, and Washington counties were included in the Disaster Declaration for frost and freeze during April 19-21, 2026.

Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Schoharie are bordering counties that are also included.

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For the frost and freeze weather from May 11-12, 2026, Fulton and Montgomery were included in a Disaster Declaration. Bordering counties, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie, were included

This designation was granted following a request for a disaster declaration made by the governor on May 19, 2026.