USDA Risk Management Agency Announces Emergency Claim Procedures for New York Apple Growers Following Spring Freeze

Cortland, N.Y. — Following the devastating spring freeze that damaged apple orchards across key production regions, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced emergency procedures to accelerate crop insurance claim processing and indemnity payments for impacted New York apple growers. 

Through Manager's Bulletin MGR-26-006.2, RMA authorized additional flexibility for apple producers whose 2026 crop suffered severe freeze damage. The action allows Approved Insurance Providers to streamline loss adjustment procedures and, in qualifying situations, close claims and issue indemnity payments before final crop disposition. This proactive step will provide growers with faster access to financial support during a challenging production year. 

“For many apple producers, the spring freeze caused damage so severe that orchards will not produce a marketable crop this season,” said Jeremy Forrett, Farm Credit East Retail Financial Services Leader. “Farm Credit East and Crop Growers commend RMA for its responsiveness and willingness to address these unique circumstances. The agency's actions demonstrate the value of a strong public-private partnership that works to ensure crop insurance remains relevant and effective when agricultural producers face extraordinary events beyond their control.”

Farm Credit East’s Crop Growers team encourages New York apple growers who experienced freeze damage to maintain communication with their Crop Growers crop insurance team to understand available options, required documentation and claim timelines. The 2026 growing season has presented significant challenges for fruit producers across the region. RMA’s emergency procedures reinforce the importance of crop insurance as a cornerstone of farm risk management and provide timely solutions that recognize the realities producers face in the field.

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