Dr. Joyce Applauds USDA Secretary Rollins for Fast Action to Assist Pennsylvania Fruit Growers

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) issued the following statement after United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Adams, Franklin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, which were impacted by the devastating freeze that struck the Commonwealth in April.  

“Pennsylvania’s fruit growers provide tremendous support for our rural communities and agricultural economy. After experiencing devastating crop losses from April’s historic freeze, we owe it to them to provide that same level of support,” said Congressman Joyce.  “This essential assistance will ensure that impacted producers have access to critical emergency resources to protect the future of their operations. As they navigate these unprecedented challenges, I am grateful to Secretary Rollins for her immediate response to our request. This is a step in right direction for our growers, and I will continue to support these hardworking farming families who feed our communities and strengthen our economy.” 

The USDA Secretarial Disaster Declaration makes impacted fruit growers eligible to apply for emergency assistance programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans and other recovery resources. 

Last week, Congressman Joyce led a bipartisan letter urging USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to swiftly issue the disaster declaration to provide assistance to impacted growers. He was joined in the effort by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).