New York Secures USDA Disaster Declaration After Spring Freeze

New York has secured a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster declaration for 32 counties across the state, including Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, and Delaware counties.

The declaration allows affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans or potentially pause some of their existing federal loans. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Saturday the USDA disaster declaration after she initially requested the designation on May 19.

“I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” said Hochul in a press statement. “I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”

The declaration comes after a spring frost in April affected many fruit growers across the Northeast region. In April, an overnight frost hit the region after several days of warm temperatures kicked tree buds into bloom early, leaving a near-total crop loss for some farmers.

READ: After Frost Crop Loss, NY’s Apple Farmers Say Agriculture is a Growing ‘Gamble’

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said the extreme weather hit the county’s growers especially hard. Ulster County is the second-largest apple producer in New York, with the state ranking as the second-largest apple producing state in the country. She said vineyards and orchard farms were especially susceptible to the frost as fruit trees were in its growth development phase of its lifecycle.

“These are mostly family farms. It’s really tough on them, so getting that capital and getting some break could be really helpful,” said Metzger.

Metzger joined Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins last month, urging federal action to support fruit, vegetable, and specialty-crop growers.

READ: Hudson Valley County Executives Push for Federal Disaster Designation for Farmers

The declaration also includes a spring freeze and high winds and hail in May that hit central and northern parts of New York.

Metzger says climate change could increase the number of disaster designations the state may see.

“This is definitely climate change. This is what has been predicted for our region, and we can expect more of the same,” said Metzger. “I’ve been really trying to get the message out there because, of course, our federal government is taking us backwards on climate, but if we don’t stay on track to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we can expect even more extremes.”

Farmers can contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency for more information.

Image: Majestic Farm in Mountaindale, New York in April 2026 (Photo Credit: Kimberly Izar)