Six upstate members of congress are calling on the US Department of Agriculture to approve any New York Disaster Declarations in response to last month’s frost that caused damage to crops throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley.
Claudia Tenney, Mark Molinaro, and Nick Langworthy are among the signatories to a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, asking him to swiftly approve any declarations.
On May 18, a late season frost caused substantial damage to crops, including grapes and stone fruits which exited their winter dormancy due to the unseasonably warm April. Some grape growers around Keuka Lake and the southern end of Seneca Lake have even reported losing up to 90% of their vines.
“This recent frost event is one of the most severe experienced in our community in decades, making it imperative our growers receive the aid they need,” Congresswoman Tenney said in a statement. “Our growers play a vital role in our region’s agricultural sector and are integral to our local economy. New York’s 24th District is home to the Finger Lakes region, the heart of New York’s wine industry, which was significantly impacted by this frost. I urge the USDA to promptly prepare for and respond to any disaster declaration requested by New York in order to facilitate the speedy recovery of impacted farmers and communities affected by this devastating event.”
