Shapiro sent the request to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on May 8, saying the freeze damaged numerous crops after several weeks of warm early-spring weather had advanced blossoms on fruit and ornamental trees.<\/p>\n
Some farms recorded temperatures about -7 to -5\u00b0C (low 20s\u00b0F), while affected crops included peaches, cherries, apricots, pears, strawberries, grapes, many apple varieties, Christmas trees, landscape crops and nursery crops.<\/p>\n
Reports submitted by growers to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture put losses above the 30% disaster trigger, with some growers anticipating a complete loss.<\/p>\n
The Governor\u2019s Office said the administration had engaged with more than 200 growers and agricultural stakeholders and was working with Penn State Extension to collect early industry assessments.<\/p>\n
Shapiro and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County on May 8, where the Governor\u2019s Office said apple and peach crops suffered near-total yield losses after overnight temperatures dropped as low as -7\u00b0C (19\u00b0F) in parts of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
Field reports from the wider Mid-Atlantic showed similar crop vulnerability during the same freeze period.<\/p>\n
AccuWeather reported that Butler\u2019s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, recorded temperatures near -4\u00b0C (25\u00b0F), with farm manager Ben Butler estimating losses of about 60% of apple flowers and early fruit, about 40% of cherries, and about 80% of blackberries. Growers used irrigation, row covers, controlled flames, and helicopters to protect crops during the freeze.<\/p>\n
In his letter, Shapiro said a disaster designation would open access to low-interest USDA loans to help growers manage the continuing cost of orchard, vineyard, and tree maintenance and provide bridge assistance as they prepare for the 2027 growing season.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania officials said a clearer understanding of long-term impacts would emerge in the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n
References:<\/p>\n
1 Governor Shapiro, Secretary Redding Call for Expedited Federal Support for Pennsylvania Growers Impacted by Devastating Crop Freeze \u2013 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/a> \u2013 May 8, 2026<\/p>\n 2 MGR-26-006: Emergency Procedures for Crops Damaged by Freeze in April 2026 \u2013 USDA\/RMA<\/a> \u2013 May 8, 2026<\/p>\n