April Freeze Devastates Pennsylvania Crops, Federal Aid Requested
Pennsylvania farmers are grappling with the aftermath of a severe freeze in April that caused widespread damage to crops across the state. Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding have called on the federal government to expedite disaster assistance, including a Secretarial Disaster Designation and faster damage assessments. The freeze has jeopardized years of agricultural work, impacting not only crops but also local economies, farm markets, and families dependent on agriculture. Specialty crops like apples, peaches, and cherries have been particularly affected, threatening Pennsylvania's position as a leading producer of these goods. The state is also exploring additional measures to support farmers, including leveraging state funds and collaborating with Penn State Extension for early industry assessments. 
