The federal government will provide assistance to Erie County fruit farmers who lost significant portions of their crops during a series of freezes during March and April.
The cold weather, came after a warm spell brought out blossoms early, making the crops vulnerable.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Erie County a disaster area. Under the declaration farmers would be eligible for aid including emergency loans.
Affected farmers in Crawford and Warren counties are also eligible for benefits.