Pennsylvania Freeze Relief Grants for Fruit Growers Close September 21
PA's $10 million Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant covers apple, pear, peach, cherry, grape, and berry losses from the April freeze.
Growers who lost fruit to the April cold snap have until September 21 to apply for state disaster relief.
Pennsylvania’s Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program, funded at $10 million through the 2026-27 state budget, opened applications on August 20 for growers whose pome or stone fruit (apples, pears, peaches, and cherries), grapes, or berries were damaged by freezing temperatures between April 1 and April 21, 2026. To qualify, a grower needs to show a loss of at least 30 percent of expected production on the affected crop.
Applications are due by 11:59pm on September 21, 2026. Growers can apply electronically at RA-AGFREEZEREIMBURSE@pa.gov, or by mail to Jake Tatge, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110. Full instructions were published in the August 22 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin and are posted on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
This is exactly the kind of program worth checking against your own orchard or berry patch if you farm in Somerset or Fayette County and took a hit from that freeze. The deadline is close. If you are not sure whether your operation qualifies, the application email above is the fastest way to find out before the window closes.