US (NY): Farmers affected by freeze apply for federal aid
But for area fruit farmers, the peculiar conditions were nothing short of disastrous.
"The worst year I've ever seen," said Martin Schutt, owner of Schutt's Apple Mill in Webster. "I just don't know what we're going to do. Cherries, peaches, and apples, we have a total loss on all of them."
Eighteen counties— including Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates — have suffered a loss of at least 30 percent on one or more of their crops, which is the benchmark to be declared a disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Sixteen more counties are still counting their wounded and could also be eligible, according to data provided by the office of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. Among them are Broome, Cayuga and Tompkins. Farmers in counties contiguous to those with a disaster declaration also become eligible.
Consumers shouldn't panic, said Mark James, field adviser for the New York Farm Bureau.
"There is going to be local fruit available," said James. "It may not be as good quality cosmetically — it may have some dings in it, may have a scab or two in it — but it's still perfectly good to eat, perfectly good to bake with."
However, the fruit shortage could have repercussions beyond affected farmers.
On Wednesday, Schumer sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to prepare for a forthcoming request for aid for the New York counties that were hit particularly hard by the thaw-freeze seesaw.
Farmers in affected counties will be eligible for emergency disaster loans from the USDA's Farm Service Agency. Those who qualify can borrow up to 100 percent of their losses, up to $500,000.
A spokesperson for Schumer's office said farmers without crop insurance — which can sometimes bar farmers from applying for FSA loans — would also be eligible for the emergency loans.
Source: www.theithacajournal.com