Bill would offer 13 states grants for April crop losses if funded

The Agriculture Secretary would send grants to eligible states that request them. The 13 states are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Grants would cover lost crop income, quality, or output from April 2026 cold or freezes, including crops farmers could not plant and losses involving trees, bushes, and vines. Congress must first provide money; the bill allows $3.5 billion for fiscal year 2027. A state must request help through its agriculture department or another state agency the Secretary accepts. Grants would include compensation for growers who lost crops grown over more than one year. The Secretary would provide grants within 120 days after money first becomes available.

The Agriculture Secretary would report to Congress on how the grants are carried out. Reports would go to the House and Senate agriculture committees. Reports would begin only if money becomes available for the grants. The first report would be due within 120 days after money first becomes available, followed by a report each fiscal quarter until it is spent.