After a freeze in May destroyed crops in 31 counties, including Cayuga, New York's senators are supporting a request for a federal agricultural disaster declaration. The New York State Farm Service Agency submitted the disaster declaration request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on August 2. The request was based on losses reported in counties across upstate New York.
A federal agricultural disaster declaration covers counties where more than 30% of a crop is lost. In Cayuga County, farmers reported that more than 30% of their apple, cherry, grape and peach crops were lost due to the freeze. In neighboring Onondaga County, grapes, onions, strawberries and wheat were the affected crops. If the disaster declaration is granted, low-interest loans will be available to growers who lost crops. Farmers could receive up to $500,000 to cover losses.
Source: auburnpub.com