Following Vindman Push, USDA Declares Disaster Designation for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Damage

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Virginia farmers impacted by devastating frost and freeze damage. The designation comes after U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) urged Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Richard Fordyce to act swiftly on Virginia's request for federal disaster assistance.

"Virginia farmers have waited long enough for relief," said Vindman. "That's why I pushed Secretary Rollins and USDA to move quickly on Virginia's disaster designation and deliver the assistance our producers urgently need. The frost and freeze damage that swept across the Commonwealth has taken a devastating toll on family farms and agricultural businesses, and every day of delay created more uncertainty for producers working to keep their operations afloat. As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue holding USDA accountable and fighting to ensure our farmers have the resources they need to recover and keep feeding our communities."

Farmers across the Commonwealth continue to face severe economic hardship as they recover from widespread crop damage caused by unseasonably cold weather. More than a month has passed since Virginia submitted its disaster designation request, despite assurances from Secretary Brooke Rollins during her June 4 appearance before the House Agriculture Committee that the Department would conduct a swift review.

Read the disaster declaration here.

BACKGROUND

Virginia farmers experienced significant damage from unusual spring frost and freeze events in March and April 2026. Following an early period of warm weather that accelerated bud break and blossom development, several nights of freezing temperatures struck vulnerable crops across the Commonwealth.

Severe losses were reported in apples, grapes, peaches, berries, cherries, and other fruit crops. Small grain producers, nurseries, and forestry operations also sustained damage. Preliminary estimates from the Virginia Cooperative Extension indicate that direct product losses could range from approximately $32.4 million to $105.3 million, with some growers facing total crop failure.

As a result, Vindman pressed USDA leadership to act, urging Secretary Brooke Rollins (Watch HERE) and Under Secretary Richard Fordyce (Watch HERE) to immediately finalize Virginia's Secretarial Disaster Designation request and deliver relief to farmers facing catastrophic losses.

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