SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND: AFTER LATE MAY DEEP FREEZE DEVASTATED ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS ACROSS NY LAST WEEK, DESTROYING THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF APPLE AND GRAPE CROPS, SENATORS CALL ON USDA SECRETARY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO HELP NY GROWERS STRUGGLING TO RECOVER

Press Release

"From the Rochester-Finger Lakes to the Capital Region, Southern Tier and the Hudson Valley, New York's vineyards and orchards are the beating heart of our agricultural and tourism economy, but last week's frost has risked freezing the future for many of these family-owned businesses. With apple and grape buds hit by extraordinarily low temperatures in May, the crop losses that farmers across the state are now seeing will have detrimental effects throughout the year. That is why I am calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stand ready in two key ways: first, by ensuring that direct reimbursements go out quickly to eligible growers with tree and vine damage through the Tree Assistance Program; and second, by preparing all resources and to be ready, if requested, to approve a disaster declaration and assist farmers and growers in the process of reporting losses and damages. We can't let New York's beautiful orchards and renowned wine country be frozen over, and the USDA must do everything in their power to provide swift relief to our hardworking growers."

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