Rep. McClain Delaney, Maryland Delegation Successfully Advocate for Disaster Relief for Maryland Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC-Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Maryland in response to the crop damage from the April 21, 2026 freeze and frost event.

"I'm pleased that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins has issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Maryland following April's devastating freeze, providing critical relief for farmers facing significant crop losses.

"As Maryland's only voice on the House Agriculture Committee, I've been fighting to make sure farmers impacted by this disaster receive the support they need. At Governor Moore's request, I raised Maryland's freeze losses directly with Secretary Rollins during last week's House Agriculture Committee hearing and urged USDA to move quickly on disaster assistance.

"By bringing national attention to the devastating losses facing Maryland farmers and pressing USDA to act, I helped elevate the urgency of this crisis and push for a swift federal response. I'm pleased USDA moved quickly to deliver this critical disaster declaration. My office continued that advocacy [yesterday] at the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference, where my District Director joined [Maryland Secretary of Agriculture] Atticks and agricultural leaders from across the region, and I shared a video message highlighting the challenges facing Maryland farmers.

"I'm especially pleased that Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington Counties have been designated as primary disaster areas, making affected producers eligible for critical USDA assistance. I thank Secretary Rollins for listening to Maryland farmers and responding to the concerns I raised on their behalf.

"This designation is an important step forward, but our work is not done. I will continue working with Governor Moore, Secretary Atticks, USDA, and our agricultural community to ensure every impacted farmer receives the support and resources they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive."

Rep. McClain Delaney also joined Maryland's Delegation Members-U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) to release the following joint statement:

"Maryland farmers suffered devastating losses from the freeze and frost event in April, and it is clear they need federal support. That's why we pressed the Trump Administration to approve Maryland's request for a USDA Disaster Designation in order to unlock emergency loan funding and make emergency financial assistance programs available to impacted farmers. We're glad to see that this request was granted, ensuring our local farmers will have access to these critical resources. Our farmers support our communities and our economy, and this assistance will help them recover from the major financial losses due to this extreme weather event. We will continue to support our farmers and agriculture communities across our state."

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.