Riley claims credit for USDA frost disaster declaration aiding NY apple growers
The NewsChannel 34 segment reports that Congressman Josh Riley helped secure a USDA Secretarial disaster designation for Upstate New York farmers hit by spring frost, primarily affecting apple crops. This enables eligible growers to apply for low-interest emergency loans and other assistance through the Farm Service Agency for up to eight months. The report notes over $30 million in reported losses, with some farms losing nearly entire crops, and highlights impacts on farmers already facing high diesel and fertilizer costs as well as downstream effects on grocery prices. Riley is quoted stressing the need for cross-aisle relief since weather is beyond farmers' control and detailing how loans can restore property, cover costs, pay living expenses, reorganize operations, and refinance debts. The piece also mentions his work on provisions in the House-passed Farm Bill to improve crop insurance and disaster assistance for apple and specialty-crop growers. Sourcing relies on Riley's own statements and a press release-style narrative with no named independent experts or opposing views. Graphics are not described in the transcript. The throughline emphasizes proactive congressional intervention delivering timely relief to struggling rural producers.
Source: NewsChannel 34
