Pa. Agriculture Secretary Urges Farmers to Report Isabel, Flooding Damage Claims

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff has urged farmers who suffered crop damage due to Hurricane Isabel and recent flooding and windstorms to report their claims as soon as possible.

“While damage to fruit trees like peaches, apples, and pears, grapes, and other crops may have been apparent during the immediate aftermath of storms, farmers may actually see more damage – particularly to the corn fields – once they begin harvesting,” Wolff said. “Farmers should report damage as soon as possible and sign up for crop insurance if they have not done so already.”

Farmers experiencing significant crop and/or structural damage should contact their local Farm Service Agency (contact information is available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pa/). Those experiencing the loss of insured crops should contact their crop insurance agent as soon as possible.

Crop protection in Pennsylvania is estimated at 15,789 policies, totaling nearly $280 million in protection.

“Crop insurance is an excellent tool in preventing a extreme economic distress in the event of a loss. I am pleased that the Rendell Administration and the Pennsylvania Legislature have been so supportive of risk management programs in the Commonwealth,” Wolff added.