Pennsylvania fruit growers face catastrophic losses after historic spring freeze
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Source: Penn State University
By Alexandra McLaughlin
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At a century-old farm in Franklin County, more than 400 young plum trees were expected to produce their first commercial crop this year. The grower had spent four years expanding his orchard for a specialty buyer who promised to purchase every plum he could grow.
Then came the April freeze.
In a single night, the crop was gone, according to Daniel Weber, horticulture educator on Penn State Extension’s commercial tree fruit team, who is helping the grower handle the challenge.
Across Pennsylvania, fruit growers are facing catastrophic losses after repeated swings between warm spring temperatures and hard freezes damaged crops already pushed into bloom.
Current estimates suggest losses of 70% to 90% across many fruit crops, according to Weber, who said the damage is unlike anything many growers have seen in their lifetimes.
Early estimates from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture place losses to Pennsylvania’s specialty crop industry between $150 million and $200 million.
Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s leading producers of apples, peaches, grapes, cherries and strawberries, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Based on observations from extension educators submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, estimated losses range from 70% to 90% for apples; 90% to 100% for peaches, nectarines and apricots; 60% to 80% for European pears; and as high as 95% to 100% for cherries and plums. Even surviving fruit may have frost damage severe enough to reduce its commercial value.
Beyond fruit crops, the freeze also damaged nursery operations, Christmas tree farms and vegetable production.
As growers assess the damage, Penn State Extension educators are providing on-farm consultations, management guidance and crop status reporting to help orchards navigate an unprecedented season.
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