CONCORD – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited Apple Hill Farm in Concord, where she met with farmers from across the state of New Hampshire to hear more about the impact of unpredictable weather, specifically late-season frosts, on Northeast growers. Last May, a late-season frost hit New Hampshire, severely impacting orchards, and was later declared a disaster by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. During the visit, Shaheen toured Apple Hill Farm and discussed what more can be done at the federal level to provide agriculture disaster relief funding for impacted farmers. In addition to fruit tree growers experiencing a late season frost, other crops in New Hampshire have experienced unseasonal challenges with the rainy summer and severe flooding. Senator Shaheen heard from Apple Hill Farm and other growers today about the many weather challenges facing New Hampshire agriculture industry.

“I know this has been a terrible year for New Hampshire’s apple growers due to a late season frost, which is why I’m pushing for Congress to deliver disaster assistance that would provide necessary support for farmers that have been impacted by climate events,” said Senator Shaheen. “I thank Apple Hill Farm for discussing these issues and showing me around their orchard. With apple picking season upon us I encourage all Granite Staters to go visit their local growers, pick some apples, get a pumpkin or take a hayride and support our state’s local farmers.”

Shaheen has long fought to support farmers in New Hampshire. As a senior member of the Senate–and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee–Senator Shaheen is working to address New Hampshire priorities through the Farm Bill, including funding agriculture and nutrition support programs. Earlier this year, Shaheen co-led a bicameral letter with Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency to take into consideration the concerns of New England growers regarding proposed changes to the apple crop insurance policy. In previous years, Shaheen has worked to include provisions in Farm Bill reauthorizations to bolster New Hampshire’s small and independent agricultural industries.

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