Ithaca (WENY)---Recent freezes and frost warnings, like we saw overnight, are causing serious problems for New York Fruit farmers.

Thursday Senator Chuck Schumer asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prepare grants for local farmers who lost crops because of low temperatures.

Eighteen counties- including Schuyler and Tompkins County have lost at least 30 percent or more of their crops.

Farmers who qualify can borrow up to 100 percent of their losses, up to 500-thousand dollars.

Those without crop insurance are also eligible for the emergency loans.