April Freeze Triggers Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania Farmers
A severe freeze in April 2026 has caused significant crop losses across Pennsylvania, prompting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to sign a disaster declaration. The freeze, which occurred between April 19 and April 21, brought widespread low temperatures that devastated fruit crops, including peaches, cherries, apples, and strawberries. The declaration, signed at Applewood Farm in Scott Township, makes 17 counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans and USDA disaster relief. Farmers in affected areas, such as Lackawanna, Monroe, and Luzerne counties, have reported losses ranging from 30% to as high as 95% of their crops. The declaration aims to provide financial support to help farmers manage operational costs and prepare for the next growing season. 
