The apple harvest in Pennsylvania is under threat due to abnormal weather conditions.

The situation in the region's agricultural sector became complicated in April. Record-high air temperatures contributed to the early flowering of fruit trees, however, the frosts that followed damaged the fruit set. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, damages from the climatic events are estimated at nearly 200 million dollars. It was not only apple orchards that suffered, but also plantings of pears, peaches, and plums. Such a level of losses has not been recorded in the state since the 1930s.

Farmers note that the available volume of produce has decreased significantly. For example, Jeremy Zeiger, manager of Highland Orchards in West Chester, forecasts an apple harvest at five percent of typical levels. Farms are forced to limit the range of cultivars available for picking and reduce operating hours. An increase in cider prices is expected due to the necessity of purchasing raw materials from other regions and rising fuel costs.

Difficulties have also arisen in the craft cider industry. Producers, whose numbers in the region have doubled over the last decade, are facing a shortage of raw materials, the need to alter recipes, and an increase in production costs. Brian Dressler of Dressler Estate notes that current economic conditions and price hikes are reducing consumer purchasing power. As a response, producers are planning to use existing reserves and arrange shipments of apples from other states, particularly from Michigan and Wisconsin.

Despite the losses, farms are continuing the sale of other crops, such as pumpkins, and are offering visitors alternative products. To support the affected farming enterprises, the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance has launched a fundraiser, planning to raise 100,000 dollars by October 1.