(WHTM) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will send more help to Pennsylvania farmers after a late April freeze damaged orchards and specialty crops.
As part of the effort, it will extend emergency loans for affected farmers in six counties through Feb. 16, 2027, the agency announced on Wednesday. The extension also includes counties in Maryland.
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The Pennsylvania counties are: Adams, Chester, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster and York. USDA officials originally listed 17 counties across the state as eligible for assistance in May.
Farmers can use the loans to purchase equipment, refinance certain debts and reorganize farming operations, and the USDA Farm Service Agency reviews each case based on the extent of losses and repayment ability.
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Farmers can visit Farmers.gov to determine their eligibility. They can also file a Notice of Loss and ask questions with their local USDA Service Center.
State officials estimated the freeze, which reached the low 20s and arrived as crops began to push blossoms, could cost farmers as much as $200 million, affecting peaches, cherries, apples, strawberries, apricots, pears, and grapes. Farmers also reported damage to Christmas tree crops.
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