Farmers across the Finger Lakes may apply for federal emergency loans following a series of freezes, storms and other damaging weather events this spring.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a Secretarial Disaster Designation requested by Governor Kathy Hochul in May. The designation covers counties across New York where fruit growers reported significant damage to apples, grapes, strawberries and stone fruit.
Among the Finger Lakes counties included in the designation are Cayuga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates.
Tompkins County was designated following frost and freezing conditions April 7 and 8. Cayuga, Schuyler and Seneca counties were included as neighboring counties affected by that event.
All eight Finger Lakes counties were included following another round of frost and freezing weather between April 19 and 21.
Cayuga County was also included as a neighboring county following freezes May 11 and 12.
Cayuga County received an additional designation for high winds and hail May 13 and 14. Seneca, Tompkins and Wayne counties were included as contiguous counties for that storm.
Producers across the affected regions have reported estimated losses totaling more than $30 million. Some fruit operations lost most or all of their crops for the growing season.
The disaster designation allows eligible farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency. The loans can be used to restore or replace property, cover production costs, pay essential family living expenses, reorganize farming operations or refinance certain debts.
Farmers must meet federal eligibility requirements to receive assistance. Additional information is available through local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.
